North West Premier Thandi Modise wishes to convey her condolences to the Mohumapelo family in Vryburg after a father and son, both municipal workers, died in a freak accident while working on a blocked sewerage at the weekend.

The North West Provincial Government has launched an internal investigation to determine exactly what happened.

Batlhaleheng Mohumapelo, 60, was a permanent municipal worker, while his son Monnapula, 24, was a contract worker.

The pair was apparently trying to unblock a sewerage system at Huhudi Township when the accident happened. They apparently inhaled toxic gases which killed them.

“We want the family to know that we have them in our prayers during this difficult time. We are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the internal investigation to see what really happen. The outcome will assist us on what steps we need to take. It will inform safety precautions and other measures meant to ensure that this does not happen again,” said Premier Modise.

Modise said the provincial government will take harsh action should the investigation reveal negligence on part of the municipality.

“The safely of our people is very important to us as government and we want to ensure that people working in dangerous situations are well equipped with protective gears and safety equipment, in addition to all necessary precautions that need to be taken,” said Modise.-TDN
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