All 5 bodies trapped underground at Ekapa Mine recovered

All five bodies of miners who were trapped underground at Ekapa Mine in Kimberly have been recovered.

It comes after two bodies were pulled out on Sunday.

The remains of one miner were found about two weeks ago after the group was trapped in a mudslide.

“We concluded in the early hours of this morning. We took out all the people who were missing during the mudslide that occurred, and it was for us to conclude and give closure to the families. We appreciate our rescue team members who did this work for us,” said the Mine Rescue Service's CEO, Mannas Fourie.

Last month, five workers were trapped underground following a catastrophic mudslide.

This would result in the frantic search for the miners and the halting of operations at the Kimberley-based mine.

The company previously indicated it would take at least 18 months to work through the mudslide at the shaft.

Parliament’s Mineral Resources Committee has been at the forefront of providing updates on the recovery process.

The committee said it will oppose the liquidation application of the Ekapa Mine following the death of five mineworkers.

The committee said it was made aware of the intention to liquidate the mine after the mudslide.

Its chairperson, Mikateko Mahlaule, said the families can finally have closure.

“We want to stress that our work now is going to focus on what we have said to the mine, that we don't think it's a fair process for the mine to have death and then declare liquidation immediately. That sounds and gives all the impressions that they don't care about workers and the people who were trapped there.

“So, we're going to really oppose their liquidation application. We have told them so, and we'll take it from there.”