KIMBERLEY -A family member of one of the five trapped miners said Ekapa Mine has discouraged them from speaking to the media.
The condition of the trapped mineworkers remains unknown.
But after more than 60 hours underground and no rescue breakthrough, the family fears time is running out.
"The reason we've been quiet up until this time is because the little bit of updates that we are getting are like a lifeline that we have at the moment," the family member said.
A mudslide that occurred on Tuesday, trapped workers over 800m underground at the diamond mine in Kimberley.
The family member said there are claims that the mine is still operational but they have not yet confirmed this.
The family member is now pleading for clearer updates from Ekapa.
A search and rescue operation is underway.
Details about what led to the incident remain limited as the company has not released much information at all.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, will on Friday undertake an oversight visit to the mine.
He is expected to engage with mine management to assess the circumstances surrounding the incident and to ensure full compliance with applicable health and safety standards.