Denel explosion inquiry report finalised – appeal for details

Widow of slain Nico Samuels, Tracy Samuels, said the application process has given them hope that they will get the closure they need. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency(ANA)

Widow of slain Nico Samuels, Tracy Samuels, said the application process has given them hope that they will get the closure they need. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency(ANA)

Published Feb 2, 2023

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Cape Town - The families of the eight Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) explosion victims are undertaking a Promotion of Access to Information Act application process, to get details of the finalised Section 32 inquiry report.

After three inquiry sittings, the Department of Labour said it would finalise the report by June 2022.

Advocate Winston Erasmus, for the victims, confirmed the application process has started.

Widow of slain Nico Samuels, Tracy Samuels, said the application process has given them hope that they will get the closure they need.

Wife of slain Nico Samuels, Tracy Samuels, said the application process has given them hope that they will get the closure they need.

Mxolisi Sigadla, 40, Triston Davids, 22, Thandolwethu Mankayi, 27, Nico Samuels, 41, Jamie Haydricks, 24, Bradley Tandy, 19, Stevon Isaacs, 51, and Jason Hartzenberg, 22 died during the 2018 explosion.

“We were made aware by the lawyer that the report has been finalised and it was a relief to learn that.

“We know that it will take a while to come to complete closure but now it feels like progress is again being made,” Samuels said.

“We definitely wish that the report is in our favour and that the company be held accountable. They should have secured the safety of our loved ones, they did not work on the site independently.

Right now it feels like the light at the end of the tunnel can finally be seen and justice will be served.”

According to Samuels, the five year healing journey has come with a lot of trauma and turmoil.

“Every time something comes up or a postponement is made, your body feels physically ill. It causes such great anxiety – you go through physical, psychological and emotional trauma.

“We just want to heal from the trauma now. Thinking back on September 3, 2018 all the raw emotions, pain and fear crop up again,” said Samuels.

Enquiries to RDM were not answered by deadline on Wednesday.

The Department of Labour ordered the establishment of the section 32 inquiry to investigate possible violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act no 85 of 1993, after the explosion at the N16 plant.

Employment and Labour Department spokesperson Teboho Thejane said: “Please note that a report has been written by our provincial colleagues, and recently submitted to headquarters for evaluation and processing.

“As soon as that is completed a way forward will be decided and we can then communicate.

“As soon as I am made aware when communication can be shared I will coordinate accordingly.”

Cape Times