Fatality at Namdeb mine Namdeb resumed its operations yesterday morning following a fatality that occurred at Southern Coastal Mines near Oranjemund. Operations were halted on Monday around midday to review and affirm safety measures and critical controls at the mine after the death of 51-year-old Likius Shetunyenga.
The fatal accident occurred at about 11:00 on Monday morning on the G90 crosswall/seawall in the Southern Coastal Mines when according to Namdeb, a slump occurred which resulted in Shetunyenga and the dozer he was operating to submerge below the water, and he drowned.
Namdeb yesterday said detailed internal investigations have already commenced and that the chief inspector of mines, as well as other stakeholders, have been informed of the incident.
Asked for further details surrounding the incident Namdeb brand manager, Pauline Thomas said that they cannot release any further information as the investigations are still on-going.
Shetunyenga was from the Omusimboti village in the Oshana Region.
He leaves behind his wife, and five children. He joined Namdeb in 1992 and was working as a multi-skilled operator in the pumping section at the time of his passing.
“This was also an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the importance of safety and to remind ourselves how quickly an accident can occur. Furthermore it should be remembered that safety is our first priority and that no production target is worth the life of any of our employees,” Namdeb told its employees.
The company also urged its employees to redouble efforts in ensuring the safety of places of work.
ELLANIE SMIT