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CORRECTION: Jagersfontein mine not property of De Beers

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EDITORIAL NOTE: A previous copy of this story inaccurately stated that De Beers would take full responsibility for the mine collapse in Jagersfontein in the Free State. SABC News has since learned that the company does not, in fact, own that dam. We have corrected our copy accordingly.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe has reacted to the fatal dam burst in Jagersfontein.

The incident caused flooding in the Free State town, collapsing homes and killing at least three people.

The Minister says he will be visiting the area on Tuesday to inspect the mine dam slide.

He will be joined by other government ministers.

Meanwhile, Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has urged the community of Jagersfontein to remain calm.

Dlamini Zuma has also called on residents who have not been affected by the flooding to assist those who have been affected. The tailings dam of the abandoned local mine burst leading to damage to infrastructure, personal property and homes.

Four people are reported to be missing. A statement from the minister confirms that the flow of the water has ceased and the immediate threat is stabilized.

Gallery of flooding: Images courtesy of Free State Government:

The Department of Minerals Resources and Energy is expected to send a team of inspectors to assess the extent of damage caused following a mine dam burst.

Free State Emergency Medical Services has corrected earlier information regarding the death toll as a result of flooding when a mine dam burst at Jagersfontein.

Mineral Resources and Energy spokesperson, Nathi Shabangu says, “The Department of Minerals and Energy has noted with concern the unfolding incident in Jagersfontein in the Free State province where flooding occurred as a result of the reported dam burst. The department inspectors are en route to the site and further information thereof would be communicated following investigations.”

CELLPHONE FOOTAGE of the flooding:

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