The inquiry moved faster than expected as one witness declined due to Covid scare and another is only available on Friday. The attorneys and presiding officer agreed that they will interview them during the next round which is is set for 5-7 July 2021.

The inquiry held at Macassar Civic Centre in the Western Cape had planned to sit until Thursday (6 May).

The Department of Employment and Labour ordered the establishment of a Section 32 inquiry to investigate violations of occupational health and safety (OHS). The Rheinmetall Denel Munition fatal incident took place at Macassar in the Western Cape where an explosion at munitions plant led to the deaths of eight workers and injury to one worker.

The mandate of the commission is to hear testimony from all interested parties as to what transpired during the fatal day. Once the commission of inquiry has established what had happened it will compile a report and recommendations to the department’s Chief Inspector who in turn will hand over the report to the National Prosecutions for consideration in case there was negligence.

During this week’s evidence gathering session which started on Monday a total of 13 witnesses testified before the Commission chaired by Mphumzi Dyulete. A total of no less than 27 witnesses are lined-up to testify before the Section 32 inquiry.

Interested parties in the inquiry include: the employer, employees, organised labour, family members and the Department of Employment and Labour.