Modikwa Platinum Mine held a memorial service for six mine workers victims at Driekop

DRIEKOP

Families of the slain six mineworkers from Modikwa Platinum Mine has called on the mining company not to forget them once they are done with burial of their loved ones.

Speaking during the memorial service held in Driekop near Burgersfort on Friday 20 April 2018, the families asked the mining company to support the families of the deceased.

Some families used the platform to call on communities to unite and called on mining companies in the area to work together with communities to avoid such incidents from happening.

The mineworkers died on 2 April 2018, when their bus was petrol bombed while on their way to work at Modikwa Platinum Mine.

Marex Komane an uncle of Lucas Komane from Ga-Mahlokoane village who was the youngest of all six victims has called on the mining companies to use the death of the six mine workers to correct the wrongs that are there within the mining communities.

Komane was 32 years old when he died living behind a wife and his four siblings whom according to the uncle were depended on him.

Komane has requested that the mining company must ensure that his nephew’s dreams with his wife are fulfilled.

“Safety of the workers must be improved outside the mine just like is ensured inside the mine” Said Komane.

Speaking on behalf of Magoshi, Kgoshi Mohlala from Diphale village said to ensure the families of the victims are taken care off, the mining company must initiate a company in memory of the victims so that their families can be taken care off.

Meanwhile the Limpopo MEC for Economic Development Seaparo Sekoati said they hope the tragic bus attack will be the last to happen in the area.

Sekoati called on community members to do self-introspection to see if what they communicate amongst themselves builds or tear their communities apart.

“As government will ensure that justice prevails” Add Sekoati

Furthermore, a representative from Modikwa platinum mine Thando Mkhatshwana said they spoken to the families and they reached certain agreements and a way forward

Both the National Union of Mineworks (NUM) and the South African Civil Organisation (SANCO) have vowed to ensure that the mining company takes care of the families of the deceased.

The Six victims were laid to rest on Saturday 21 April 2018.

Meanwhile the five arrested suspects will appear before the Mecklenburg magistrate court today, Thursday 26 April 2018 on charges of six counts of Murder, Attempted Murder and Malicious Damage to Property.

The sixth suspect in the case is still be sought by the police.