KIMBERLY - Family members of the workers trapped underground at Ekapa Mine in Kimberley believe that their loved ones could still be found alive.
It has been almost two weeks since a mudslide trapped five mine workers underground. Operations at the mine have been suspended with immediate effect.
Relatives have blamed the mine owners and government for not updating them on the operation to rescue their loved ones.
READ | Mantashe returns to eKapa mine for rescue mission update
One family member who spoke to eNCA in anonymity said they have they have been left in the dark.
"None of them has ever contacted the family or spoken to us or anything. The only updates we get is from contract people that we have to beg and ask just to give us updates so we can know what’s going on," the family member said
They said the tragedy has also caused them a lot of pain.
"It’s been a lot of sleepless nights, a lot of heartbreak and crying and it’s very frustrating at this moment because of the lack of answers we get and the lack of support we get."
Mine management has declined media interviews, promising updates only when there’s meaningful progress.
Siphamandla Goge filed this report.