Boksburg Gas Leak Tragedy Leaves Families Devastated by Multiple Losses

Illegal gold processing plant leak claims multiple lives, leaving families shattered and seeking answers

Boksburg, South Africa – The recent gas leak in Boksburg has plunged several families into an unimaginable state of grief and bewilderment as they grapple with the loss of multiple family members. The incident, caused by a leak of nitric oxide from cylinders used in illegal gold processing activities in the vicinity, has left a community shattered and searching for solace.

Samaria Manhica, 32, is one among the many devastated individuals struggling to come to terms with the magnitude of Wednesday night’s tragedy. Her husband and four of his relatives, who resided in the same compound, were among the victims. Manhica, a mother of four, expressed her overwhelming sense of loss and the daunting task of finding answers in the wake of her husband’s untimely death.

According to Manhica, the illegal processing plant, located adjacent to their residence, operated covertly behind plastic sheeting, making it difficult for passersby to detect the deadly activities within. She shared the heart-wrenching tale of how her husband, Lazarus, had brought her to Boksburg just six months ago, filled with hope for a new life. Now, she finds herself grappling with the sudden loss of the family’s breadwinner, leaving them with no means to even lay him to rest.

Recounting the horrifying incident, Manhica said, “We heard a loud banging sound and all of a sudden, my eyes went blurry. I emerged from my shack to find more people collapsed in the yard. We crawled around, checking on our neighbors. We could not breathe. People collapsed on the ground until emergency services arrived, confirming my husband as one of the deceased at the scene.”

Another grieving resident, Judite Nyathama, lost her son Samuel and daughter-in-law in the tragic event. Nyathama, unaware of her son’s involvement in illegal mining, expressed shock and disbelief at the rapid turn of events. She recalled how her son would return home muddy and wet, claiming to be involved in construction work, unaware of the dangers lurking within the secretive operation.

What compounds Nyathama’s grief is the loss of her daughter-in-law, Naira, who was visiting them at the time. Naira’s young age of 19 intensifies the sorrow, leaving Nyathama grappling with the difficult task of explaining her daughter-in-law’s demise to her family. The family is now pleading for assistance in repatriating the bodies of their loved ones back to Mozambique.

Patrick Mangane, another resident who suffered an unimaginable loss, mourns the tragic deaths of his wife, nine-year-old daughter, and two in-laws. Struggling to comprehend the extent of the tragedy, Mangane expressed feelings of devastation and disbelief. Overwhelmed by grief, he emphasized the urgent need to process his emotions and chart a path forward.

As Johannesburg Emergency Services confirmed the death toll of 17, with four individuals in critical condition and several discharged after exposure to the gas, law enforcement agencies continue their investigation. Identifying the victims remains a priority, and authorities urge the public to grant them the necessary time and space to carry out their work.

Bridget Thusi, MMC for Health and Social Development in Ekurhuleni, offered her condolences and reassured the community of their commitment to provide counseling services to affected families. Additionally, efforts are being made to reunite family members in hospitals and deliver the heartbreaking news to those mourning the loss of their loved ones, aiming to minimize confusion during this difficult time.

The Boksburg gas leak tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal activities and the devastating consequences they can inflict upon innocent lives. As the affected families grapple with their immense grief, the community rallies together to offer support and solace in the face of this heart-wrenching ordeal.