An employee at Sappi’s Ngodwana Mill died after being trapped in a machine in the early hours of Sunday morning, October 5.

Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, confirmed that an investigation into the matter is under way.

Michelle le Roux, public relations and marketing lead at Sappi Southern Africa, said in a statement: “It is with deep sadness that Sappi Southern Africa confirms a fatal incident that occurred on October 5 at the Sappi Ngodwana Mill’s Uptake 3 pulp machine, involving one of our employees. The employee sustained injuries and tragically lost his life as a result.”

In operation since 1966, the mill produces paper pulp for its own use, as well as newsprint, containerboard and dissolving wood pulp (DWP). With Project GoCell, the mill entered the growing dissolving pulp market in 2013.

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Situated within Sappi’s own commercial forestry operations in the verdant Lowveld region, the mill produces 340 000 tonnes of paper pulp, 255 000 tonnes of DWP and 350 000 tonnes of paper annually.

The general manager of Sappi Ngodwana Mill, Gopalan Naidoo, extended condolences to the employee’s family, colleagues and friends.

Our deepest condolences go out to them during this difficult time. Counselling support is being made available to all those affected by this tragic incident. At Sappi, safety is not just a priority – it is a core value that guides everything we do. We are profoundly saddened by this loss of life. A full investigation is currently under way, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to prevent such incidents in future,” said Naidoo.

He added that operations in the affected area have been secured and that all relevant authorities have been informed of the incident.

Mdhluli said information about the incident was limited, and that more details would be shared with the media as the investigation continues.

He identified the victim as Vusi Mnisi (39) from Matsulu Township.