The wife of one of the five trapped miners at Ekapa Minerals mine in Kimberley says the waiting has now become unbearable.
Residents of Kimberley held a candlelight vigil outside the premises of the mine on Thursday evening to support the affected families.
Rescue efforts to find the trapped miners who have been out of reach since the mud rush incident on Tuesday continue.
DEVELOPING | Ekapa Mine in Kimberley, Northern Cape, says rescue teams are pumping water from the shaft where five workers are trapped. For the latest, we go live to SABC News reporter Ulrich Hendricks at the mine. pic.twitter.com/TSCqsNbZx0
— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 19, 2026
Ekapa Mine | Kimberley community holds candlelight vigil for trapped miners
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKbuKer0HXI
The distraught wife of a 42-year-old miner still trapped says she cannot handle the waiting without definite answers.
“I am devastated and heartbroken, the waiting is driving me crazy and I am panicking because the only update we are getting is that they are still pumping water underground. I always hope to hear that they will start searching for them but I know that we also have to consider the safety of the rescue team as well. It has been three days already and at this point I just want my husband to be found dead or alive.”
Former Ekapa Mine workers have gathered outside the site in Kimberley, saying they’re there to show support for colleagues still trapped underground. #sabcnews #UpdateAtNoon pic.twitter.com/7GpOFPrsgJ
— SABC News Radio (@SABCNews_Radio) February 18, 2026
The community of Cassandra next to the mine organised a candlelight prayer to support the affected families.
“It’s times like these that bring unity and reminds us of God’s love. We are very grateful and honored to be here to give support to the distraught families.”
Meanwhile, Ekapa Minerals is expected to release a statement on the update of their rescue mission.
Minister Gwede Mantashe will be at the mine on Friday.
