Ralehala Aaron Mosoev, a 78-year-old man who died in a mine dam burst in Jagersfontein, Free State, will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 24, 2022. SABC News reports.
At least 70 people were injured when a dam wall breached a few weeks ago, sweeping away homes and cars in the area. At least 300 people in the mining town have since been displaced, prompting government intervention.
THE FAMILY OF THE VICTIMS OF THE JAGERSFONTAIN DISASTER STATED
The family of Masoev, a retired teacher, expressed their grief over his loss. He was reportedly with his wife when the Jagersfontein disaster occurred. She managed to survive the incident and is currently receiving treatment at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
In accordance with SABC NewsWhen the tragedy happened, Masoev and his wife ran to the house to be safe, but their neighbors warned them that it was dangerous. They noticed that the mud had already destroyed the houses and the two ran away holding hands, only to be beaten.
“For a very long time they were banging on objects they didn’t know until at one point the woman says she couldn’t feel her husband’s grip on her hand loosen until they were separated, they were the force of trouble,” said the victim’s brother. Tankis.
Since then, there have been increasing calls to bring the mine dam owners to justice. It was previously owned by Rupert’s Reinet Investments, but the company sold the assets to Jagersfontein Stargems Holdings, a global diamond processing and polishing company.
In accordance with IOLCommunity leaders allege Johann Rupert bribed and intimidated Jagersfontein residents and staff after they raised their concerns about the dam wall. Lefa Shale told the publication that they had been warning the company since 2019, but nothing was done.
“Bribery is not an accusation, it is a fact. I am a community leader and I know of some leaders who have been bribed. The community raised these concerns and asked leaders to arrange a meeting with Rupert. But these leaders would go on their own and tell Rupert what the community was planning. I know that he handed envelopes to these leaders,” said Shale.
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