Accident at Hartbeespoort Dam

The Department of Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana has condemned yesterday's accident near Hartbeespoort Dam in the North West in which two people were seriously injured when a cableway carrying at least 40 people snapped in midair and plunged to the ground.

Minister Mdladlana has requested inspectors to conduct a full investigation to establish the cause of the accident.

The cableway is operated by Hartbeespoort Kabospoor Company to transport members of the public to picnic sports across the Hartebeespoort Dam up to the nearby mountains.

Health and Safety Inspectors arrived at the scene soon after the incident yesterday afternoon and immediately issued a prohibition notice halting all operations while investigations are been conducted.

The two injured were airlifted to the Unitas Hospital in Centurion, Pretoria and are in a stable condition.

The Department has already inspected the company's weekly records and will on Monday continue with the investigations including interviewing witnesses.

"We are extremely lucky that only two people were injured when the cableway that was carrying 40 people snapped. We as the ANC government will not tolerate companies that put profit before people's safety", said Minister Mdladlana.

"The Department?s inspectors will ensure that - in the event that there is any proof of negligence - those responsible are brought to book", he added.

ENDS.