25 April 2025
The Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) is outraged by yet
another senseless death of a worker at Harmony Gold’s Moab Khotsong mine.
At approximately 04:50 on 25 April 2025, a Rail Bound Equipment accident occurred
at 98H 113 Cross Cut. According to initial reports, the loco guard was walking in front
of the span hoppers in a restricted area when the loco suddenly stopped. Upon
investigation, he was found lying on the ground with head injuries and was declared
death at the scene of the accident.
AMCU notes with great concern the alarming increase in transportation and mining-
related injuries, which have risen to 72, according to the SAMRAS report dated 21
April 2025.
Transportation and mining-related deaths are now the second leading cause of
fatalities in the South African mining industry, following fall-of-ground incidents. Year-
to-date, the industry has recorded 8 fall-of-ground fatalities and 6 from transportation
incidents
Our sincere condolences go out to the family and loved ones of our fallen comrade,
we pray for their strength and comfort during this difficult time.
This fatality brings the total number of deaths in the South African Mining Industry
(SAMI) to 18 so far this year, compared to 11 in the same period last year. Harmony
Gold is currently the worst-performing company, with 8 fatalities to date.
On the 26 February 2025 the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union
(AMCU) wrote an official letter to the Minister of the Department of Mineral Petroleum
and Resources Honourable Samson Gwede Mantashe, requesting an urgent
Technical Audit at Harmony Gold Mines, which would be accompanied by an action
plan with strict deadlines for implementation, to date we have not heard from the
Minister.
We further call on the Mine Health and Safety Council and the Minerals Council South
Africa to convene a special summit to adopt best practices, including technology-
driven solutions, to prevent further Rail Bound Equipment accidents.
**ENDS**
375 words excluding summary, heading and other text.
For more information or media interviews, contact AMCU President Joseph
Mathunjwa.