Anticipated Verdict in Lily Mine Disaster Inquest

The Mbombela Magistrates Court is poised to deliver its judgment in the inquest into the tragic Lily Mine disaster today.

According to EWN, the devastating incident unfolded on 5 February 2016 when the crown pillar separating the roof of the third and fourth levels at Lily Mine in Louisville, near Barberton, collapsed.

A container that housed the lamp room, with three staff members inside, including Pretty Nkambule, Solomon Nyirenda, and Yvonne Mnisi, was tragically swallowed by the earth.

An inquest into their deaths commenced in November 2021, seeking to shed light on this catastrophe’s circumstances.

Also read: PRASA Launches Investigation Into Footbridge Collapse

The Department of Mineral Resources’ inquiry into the disaster was critical of Lily Mine management, attributing the collapse primarily to the lack of proper reinforcement for the crown pillar.

But, the findings of this inquest are unclear.

The grieving families also don’t know whether they will be able to lay their loved ones to rest.

Recovery operations stopped just one month after the disaster due to safety concerns. Despite government assurances, search teams never recovered the bodies of the victims.

In the interim, Lily Mine underwent business rescue proceedings following the incident. A protracted legal battle eventually reached the Constitutional Court, which recently dismissed an application from Vantage Goldfields to prevent the sale of the mine. This pivotal development could pave the way for renewed operations and recovery efforts.

Also read:

Efforts Begin to Restore Germiston to Johannesburg Rail Line

Picture: Google Maps / Vuyani Ndlovu

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