MEC Madoda Sambatha has warned the rate of infections in these two areas - among others - will be the province's downfall.

He was addressing concerns around the rapid increase of Covid-19 cases at mines, which are said to be the main contributors with over 266 cases out of a total of 464 positive cases of the province.

He flagged Harmony Gold and Sibanye Stillwater’s mines in Matlosana and Rustenburg respectively as a serious concern, after the two mines confirmed over 100 cases in three days.

The province so far has 394 active cases of Covid-19 after 73 patients recovered from the virus, and one death was recorded from 468 reported cases.

Sambatha warned that soon the province will start to see more community infection due to the complication caused by mines.

Sibanye before Saturday had 133 cases, Harmony Gold had 47, Royal Bafokeng Platinum mines had 19 and Impala Platinum Mine had 17.

He adds that at Sibanye 5 workers who tested positive for Covid-19 after returning from the Eastern Cape had 65 contacts after working for five days underground.

Sambatha says on Friday 62 people from 167 contacts tested positive - a situation he described as worrying.

He, however, urged communities to be more careful and continue to follow lockdown regulations to curb the spread.

The province so far has 394 active cases of Covid-19 after 73 patients recovered from the virus, one death recorded from 468 reported cases.

Meanwhile, Health Minister, Zweli Mkhize, on Wednesday night announced that 45 973 people have been confirmed positive for the virus. Mkhize also announced that a total number of 952 patients have now passed away from Covid-19 and 24 258 patients have thus far recovered.

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