A contract worker died on Friday after he was found in a dam at BHP Billiton’s Khutala Colliery in Mpumalanga, the company announced.
Sifiso Mnisi, 28, was found wearing his life jacket in the operation’s main pollution control dam around 11:15 on Wednesday, said company spokesperson Johnny Dladla.
“Emergency personnel responded immediately and were able to resuscitate Sifiso and transport him to a hospital in Pretoria,” said Dladla.
“Sadly, he passed away this morning [Friday] as a result of cerebral hypoxia [the deprivation of oxygen supply to the brain].”
An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the accident.
Mnisi leaves behind his mother and sister. Dlala said the company was providing the family with support.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sifiso’s family and friends,” he said.
– SAPA