THE family of one of the workers who died in an accident at Impala Mine Shaft 11 in Rustenburg, North West described him as a loving and kind person.
Petrus Nare (43), better known as "Star black", is one of the 12 miners who died on Monday night, 27 November 2023 after a convergence cage plunged into the shaft, critically injuring 74 of them.
Petrus, originally from Mozambique, had worked at the Impala mine for nine years and was passionate about the mining industry.
He lived with his brother Kabelo Nare in Boitekong, outside Rustenburg. Kabelo said his brother was a people’s person.
"My brother was loved by everyone. His death has caused so much pain and we are struggling as a family to come to terms with it," Kabelo said.
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Although Kabelo is a miner himself, he found it difficult to accept the loss.
"I was called by the mine and informed about the accident, and I knew immediately that the chances of survival were slim.
"The collapse of a cage is brutal. I believe my brother is resting in peace. My heart bleeds for his six children. He was a loving father," he said.
Peter was the first-born of six children.
"We see him as a father figure after our father passed away. He was a family man and loved us dearly," he said.
The deceased's aunt, Shelly Mucacha, said he raised Petrus, and he was a good child growing up.
“We all loved his jokes and how kind he was to people,” she said.
Shelly said he was planning to enrol for a course to study further as he wanted to improve his chances of getting other positions at the mine.
The family said they are still making arrangements and no date has been set for his funeral.
