Residents of Kimberley gathered outside the Ekapa Minerals mine on Thursday evening for a candlelight vigil in solidarity with the families of five miners who remain trapped underground following Tuesday’s mud-rush incident.
The wife of one of the missing miners, a 42-year-old man still unaccounted for, said the prolonged uncertainty has become overwhelming. She expressed deep anguish over the lack of concrete updates as rescue teams continue pumping water from the mine.
“I am devastated and heartbroken. The waiting is driving me crazy, and I am panicking because the only update we are getting is that they are still pumping water underground. I always hope to hear that they will start searching for them, but I know we also have to consider the safety of the rescue team. It has been three days already, and at this point I just want my husband to be found, dead or alive.”
Community members from Cassandra, located near the mine, organised the prayer vigil to show support for the affected families. One attendee reflected on how difficult moments can strengthen community bonds.
“It’s times like these that bring unity and remind us of God’s love. We are very grateful and honoured to be here to support the distraught families.”
Rescue operations remain ongoing as teams work to reach the miners, who have been inaccessible since the incident. Ekapa Minerals is expected to provide an update on the progress of the rescue mission, while Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe is scheduled to visit the mine on Friday.
