Probe launched after explosion at Rheinmetall Denel
An explosion at Rheinmetall Denel Munition in Somerset West on Tuesday is being investigated.
Image: supplied
Rheinmetall Denel Munition Ltd (RDM) will be launching an investigation into the cause of the explosion at its facility in Somerset West on Tuesday, while residents are calling for accountability and answers following the 2018 tragedy.
Social media went abuzz just after 9:50am with reports of the building alight, and images of the aftermath being shared widely.
The City's Disaster Risk Management spokesperson, Sonica Lategan, said fire and rescue teams were dispatched from Macassar and Khayelitsha.
The fire was extinguished shortly after their arrival.
"Disaster Risk Management officials are on site at Denel to assist, where needed, following a fire this morning," she said.
"The City’s Fire and Rescue Service dispatched crews from Macassar and Khayelitsha at 09:50 to a building alight on the premises in Macassar, including the Incident Management Team Type 5.
"They are assisting crews from Denel to extinguish the fire.
"Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were on scene too, although no injuries were reported."
In an official statement released, RDM said an investigation would be launched.
. The eight Rheinmetall Denel Munition staff members who died in an explosion in September 2018. Picture: Phando Jikelo/African News Agency (ANA) Archives
Image: file
"On April 28, at approximately 9:50am, a fire incident occurred at the RDM facility in Somerset West. No injuries were reported, highlighting the effectiveness of the safety measures in place. Local emergency services and RDM's own teams were quickly dispatched to manage the incident.
"An investigation into the cause of the incident will take place once officials declare the area safe.
"RDM is committed to operating safely and responsibly and will cooperate fully with the relevant authorities during the investigation."
Somerset West and Macassar community activist, Christiaan Stewart, who has been assisting the families of victims of the 2018 RDM tragedy, called for accountability and authorities to host an independent investigation.
“On September 3, 2018, an explosion at the same facility killed eight workers and injured two," he said.
"The Department of Employment and Labour’s inquiry found RDM in contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
"Our community was promised that lessons would be learned and safety would be prioritised.
“Immediate transparency: A joint public briefing within 24 hours from RDM, SAPS, City of Cape Town, and national government detailing casualties, cause, and environmental risk is needed.
“Independent investigation: A full, public inquiry into today’s explosion and why safety measures post-2018 failed to prevent recurrence.
“Accountability: Release of the full audit showing which 2018 recommendations were implemented by whom, and when. Those responsible must be held liable.
“Long-term prevention: Legally binding safety upgrades at RDM, enforced by the national government, with quarterly public reporting.
“Community protection: Funding and implementation of a real-time emergency alert system for Somerset West, Macassar, and Strand residents.”
This year marks the eighth anniversary of the 2018 RDM tradgedy, which left eight workers dead.
Last year, during a memorial service held at RDM, families of the victims told the Cape Argus they have yet to receive answers including full financial compensation.
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.
In 2023, the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) decided not to institute prosecution despite recommendations made by the Department of Employment and Labour following a Section 32 inquiry that found there were grounds to criminally prosecute.