Miner dies after after detonating explosives at ‘illegal’ Klipham mine
A 53-year-old miner, hospitalised after detonating an explosive substance at a mine outside Burgersfort, has succumbed to his injuries, confirmed the police on Monday 22 January 2018.
LIMPOPO – The deceased, Bright Chirongoma, together with two other employees at the Klipham mine, were allegedly sent by their employer to destroy the explosives soon after he was arrested on Friday, said Police Spokesperson, Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo.
The said employer together with two accomplices were arrested on Friday 19 January 2018 for operating a chrome mine with a fraudulent license. Mining equipment and machinery, worth millions of rand, was also confiscated during the incident. They have since appeared before the Mecklenberg Magistrates Court and were remanded in custody until 29 January 2018.
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“During the process of destroying the explosive, the device allegedly exploded and two miners were injured. The deceased was critically injured and died in hospital on Saturday evening. The other employee was treated and discharged on the same day'” explained Mojapelo.
A case of inquest has been opened and is being investigated at the Mecklenberg Police Station.
