The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Western Cape will not criminally prosecute anyone for the 2018 blast at the Rheinmetall Denel Munition factory in Somerset West.

The NPA’s provincial head, Nicolette Bell, says that they carefully considered all the representations made on the blast.

Denel specialises in developing, designing, and manufacturing large- and medium-calibre ammunition.

The 2018 blast claimed eight lives, and their families have been waiting for some form of closure.

The NPA’s decision not to prosecute follows a Department of Employment and Labour inquiry to probe the blast.

Twenty-six witnesses, including technical experts, former employers and current staff and investigators, testified during the inquiry.

The body found that there was a “failure to conduct the risk assessment when installing a new iris valve, which is deemed as the modification by the employer.”

And the inquiry chair, Mphumzi Dyulete recommended that Denel be criminally prosecuted for the tragedy.