[miningmx] — IMPALA Platinum is facing criminal charges, including culpable homicide,
for its role in the death of a mine worker, according to Sunday Times.
The weekly newspaper reported on Sunday that the company had failed to make any
public disclosures about the death of the Lesotho national, Paulus Mosala Phethoka, in
2007.
Documents show that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided in December
2010 to charge Implats and its executives for culpable homicide or, alternatively, for
contraventions of the Mine Health and Safety Act for a “failure to consider an
employee’s training and capabilities regarding health and safety”.
The NPA’s decision was based on a report signed by mining inspector SJ Ludick, who
found Phethoka died because mine bosses had not ensured he was safe when sent to
install support bars under a dangerous overhang that collapsed on him.
The case is due to be heard in the Bafokeng Regional Court in Rustenburg on
Wednesday.
