UPDATE: Fears grow for trapped mineworkers after mud rush at Ekapa Joint Shaft
Five mineworkers are reportedly unaccounted for after a mud rush at the Ekapa Mining Joint Shaft in Kimberley.
Image: Sandi Kwon Hoo / DFA / File
FEARS are mounting for five mineworkers who are reportedly unaccounted for following a mud rush that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at the Ekapa Mining Joint Shaft in Kimberley.
The incident apparently took place approximately 890 metres underground in Tunnel 6. According to information received by the DFA from mine sources, who wish to remain anonymous because they are not authorised to speak to the media, emergency teams were immediately dispatched and underground rescue operations began in an effort to locate the trapped mineworkers.
Later information received from emergency services and mine sources indicates that concerns are growing for the safety of the five mineworkers. However, no official confirmation regarding their condition has been provided.
A statement sent to the DFA, purportedly issued by Ekapa Minerals, confirms that a mud rush incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday morning at its Joint Shaft Mine and that five employees are unaccounted for.
The DFA has not yet been able to independently verify the authenticity of the statement and has requested confirmation from the mine.
According to the statement dated February 17, 2026: “At this stage, five employees are unaccounted for. Immediately following the incident, the mine activated its emergency response protocols, and a co-ordinated search and rescue operation is currently underway.”
The statement further said that all necessary specialist resources have been mobilised and that the priority remains the safety of employees and the effectiveness of the rescue efforts.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum has reportedly been notified and Ekapa is co-operating fully with the relevant authorities in line with statutory requirements.
According to the statement, families of the affected employees have been informed and support measures are being put in place.
It is requested that “the privacy of the workers and their families be respected during what it described as a difficult time.”
The statement concludes with Ekapa Minerals saying it will not speculate on the cause of the incident at this stage, but reiterating its commitment to transparent communication, high safety standards, and the well-being of its workforce.
This is a developing story.