Lily Mine tragedy: '10 years of torture, betrayal, lies from govt' - families

The families of the Lily Mine three, who were buried alive in 2016, are still camped outside the site 10 years after the tragedy. 

This Thursday marks a decade since Pretty Nkambule, Yvonne Mnisi, and Solomon Nyirenda were last seen at the mine. 

In February 2016, a crown pillar underground collapsed and dragged down a container that the three were working on. 

Their remains were never retrieved. 

The families erected a tent near the mine’s perimeter fence since 2019. 

Since then, they’ve been praying for the remains of their loved ones to be recovered. 

The campsite was later moved about a kilometre away, a tent for sleeping, a tent used as a makeshift kitchen, and a small structure that no one seems to remember who it belonged to. 

Despite repeated calls for justice that have gone nowhere, the families say they’re prepared to stay here for as long as necessary to keep their memories alive. 

Families spokesperson Harry Mazibuko, said: “For as families, it’s 10 years of torture, 10 years of betrayal, 10 years of lies, 10 years of empty promises from our government.”

Like every year, those affected will visit the site for a prayer.