02 Jun 2016

Vice President Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi met survivors and families of victims of the BCL Mine incident that claimed the lives of four miners at South East Extension Shaft on May 29.

The meeting took place at BCL Mine Hospital on May 31, where he also took the opportunity to check on survivors of the tragic incident to see how they were recuperating.

The Vice President conveyed his condolences to the families on behalf of President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama and the government.

He said it was sad and unfortunate that the incident happened resulting in the miners losing their lives while some sustained serious injuries. He explained that when the fateful incident occurred, the miners were on duty assigned by government and deserved respect.

He explained that the affected families should liaise with BCL Mine and his office about funeral arrangement so that he and other senior government officials could attend the funerals. He mentioned that in the meantime, the BCL Mine and Selebi Phikwe District Commissioner’s office would avail themselves to assist the families accordingly. He said the victims would be given proper and dignified funerals.

The Vice President told the families that investigations regarding the incident were still ongoing. He said the BCL Mine would be conducting investigations and the Ministry of Minerals Energy and Water Resources would engage an independent auditor to get to the root of the problem.

He said the outcome of the investigations would also determine what should be done by the mine and government to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in future.

Meanwhile, families of the victims accepted President Khama’s condolences conveyed Mr Masisi. Mr Gobotswang Selelo, Mr Modise Diboko as well as Mr Gosego Boitumelo acknowledged the gesture noting that by taking time to meet the affected families and survivors meant a lot and showed that Vice President Masisi who was representing President Khama and government took the matter seriously and cared about the employees.

Further, they noted that accidents take place unexpectedly and nothing could be done at that point in time but to accept the loss. However, they requested that BCL Mine should take matters of employee safety serious and come up with a plan to avoid such incidents in future.

Meanwhile, the BCL Mine Hospital superintendent, Dr Khumo Mapitse told BOPA in an interview that out of the 10 miners involved in the incident, four died on the spot when the incident took place.
He said two miners were referred to Nyangabgwe Hospital while one employee was referred to Gaborone Private Hospital for further medical attention. He said the patients were in a stable condition.  

Mr Masisi held comforted employees of the mine, advising them not to despair but to stay strong and give support to the affected families during this tough time.
The Vice President was accompanied by Assistant Minister of Investment Trade and Industry, Advocate Sadique Kebonang,  as well as the town and mine management. Ends