By Mapaballo Borotho
- Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members are trapped underground after falling into an abandoned mine shaft during an anti-illegal mining operation in Johannesburg’s west.
- The soldiers reportedly entered a tunnel while pursuing suspected illegal miners who were seen leaving the underground workings.
- Specialised rescue teams, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management officials, are working to safely retrieve the two members.
Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been trapped underground after falling into an abandoned mine shaft during an anti-illegal mining operation west of Johannesburg.
The incident happened on Friday morning, 17 July 2026, while the soldiers were conducting operations at an unused mine.
Initial reports indicate that the soldiers spotted suspected illegal miners emerging from underground workings, leading to a pursuit that continued into one of the tunnels.
Gauteng police spokesperson Brenda Muridili says rescue operations are currently underway to locate and retrieve the two members.
“Specialised emergency response units, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management teams, were activated immediately and are currently on-site executing rescue efforts,” she said.
Muridili says the immediate priority is the safe extraction of the soldiers and ensuring their wellbeing.
Further updates on the progress of the rescue operation and the condition of the SANDF members will be provided as more information becomes available.
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