Families of RDM explosion victims demand answers

ON THE seven year anniversary of the 2018 Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM) explosion, the families of the eight workers who died said they have yet to receive answers about what happened on the fatal day including full financial compensation.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

Yesterday, as the families gathered at the memorial site, General Manager, Kershin Gounden said they were committed in supporting them and that they had learnt lessons from the tragedy.

“I have not walked the journey that you have, but if there is something we can do to support you, please let us know,” he said.

“Our colleagues, our family, they have taught us a lot from the incident which happened.

“We are doing everything we can to make sure something like this does not happen, you have my word and support, that everything that we do here is to ensure safety, to make sure that the people that come in, leave in the same manner.”

Foreman Nico Samuels, 41, team leader Stevon Isaacs, 51, operators Mxolisi Sigadla, 40, Bradley Tandy, 19, Jamie Haydricks, 24, Jason Hartzenberg, 22, Triston Davids, 22, and Thandolwethu Mankayi, 27, were killed in the explosion.