Thirteen miners who died at the Impala Platinum in Rustenburg, North West, last week when a cage carrying mineworkers plunged to the bottom of Shaft 11 have been named. The tragic incident also left more than 70 miners injured with eight still in intensive care. The mine said last week that the accident involved a winder rope that experienced a mechanical fault. The rope is connected to a personnel that hoists miners up and down the shaft. 

TRAGIC INCIDENT AT THE MINE

Initially, 11 people died underground but the mine announced that two more people succumbed to their injuries at the hospital on Sunday. The names of the miners were released during the memorial service at Impala Rustenburg Sports Grounds yesterday. Among the dignitaries at the event were officials from the government, the Royal Bafokeng family, local political leadership and the majority was the leadership of union, Amcu. 

THE FACES OF THE THIRTEEN MINERS 

These are the names of the people who passed away during the incident:

•  Zwelethu Nomsuka, 43, a scraper winch operator from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 16 years. 
• Raselebedi Elias Ntoi, 40, a panel operator from Maputsoe in Lesotho. He worked for Impala Rustenburg for 17 years.
•  Siyabulela Nzume, 53, is a scraper winch operator from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 22 years. 
• Lethola Qebe, 59, is a development rock drill operator from Quthing in Lesotho. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 22 years. 
• Marumo Shasha, 51, is a rock drill operator from Butha Buthe in Lesotho. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 11 years.
• Khayalethu Joel Bhekamane, 41, a rock drill operator from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He was employed by the mine four years ago. 
• Vuyane Dangazele, 45, a rock drill operator from Libode in the Eastern Cape.
• Mcingeni Dlabone, 42, a scraper winch operator from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 19 years.
• Mncedisi Hukwana, 48, a rock drill operator from Elliotdale in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 18 years. 
• Eric Fanisile Libad, 48, a rock drill operator from Libode in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 14 years.
• Morena Mohlomi, 33, a miner from Carletonville in Gauteng. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for one year.
• Petrus Nare, 44, a scraper winch operator from Rustenburg in North West. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 10 years.
• Mandisi Nkulwana, 44, a rock drill operator from Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape. He had worked for Impala Rustenburg for 11 years.

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EIGHT MINERS IN CRITICAL CARE

Of the remaining 73 Implats employees who were hospitalised, 23 have been discharged, while 50 others remain in hospital including eight who are still in critical care. Implats CEO Nico Muller said this was the most difficult time for the mining company and its employees as they come to terms with their loss. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families and loved ones of those who have been affected. We are committed to providing support and assistance to those who need it during this time of mourning, and we stand together in honouring their memory and providing solace to one another," Muller said.