Johannesburg – Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers have tragically lost their lives after falling down an abandoned mine shaft during an operation targeting illegal miners in western Johannesburg. The incident, which occurred on Friday morning at the disused CRD Mine, has cast a sombre shadow over the ongoing fight against illegal mining, known as zama zama activities.
The soldiers were part of Operation Prosper, a mission specifically launched to combat illegal mining, a pervasive problem that has plagued abandoned and disused mines across the country. The CRD Mine, located west of Johannesburg, has long been identified as a hotspot for such illicit activities and has been the focus of several law enforcement efforts to dismantle underground criminal networks.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the tragedy unfolded at approximately 06:00. SANDF members spotted a group of suspected illegal miners emerging from underground workings at the abandoned mine. A pursuit ensued, leading the soldiers into one of the mine tunnels.
“During the pursuit, two members of the team tragically slipped and fell into an open, abandoned vertical mine shaft,” Mathe confirmed. The sudden and unforeseen accident highlights the extreme dangers faced by those on the front lines of combating illegal mining.
Immediately following the incident, specialised rescue teams, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management teams, were dispatched to the scene. The initial focus was on the safe extraction and well-being of the soldiers, with every available specialised resource mobilised to assist with the rescue under highly complex underground conditions.
However, the SANDF later confirmed the devastating news that both soldiers had died. SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini announced that the recovery operation had concluded with the retrieval of both bodies. “The South African National Defence Force regrets to confirm the loss of life of two of its members during an anti-illegal mining operation under Operation Prosper,” Dlamini stated, expressing the military’s profound sorrow.
The identities of the deceased soldiers have not yet been released, pending formal identification and the notification of their next of kin. This process is crucial to ensure that their families are informed with the utmost respect and sensitivity during this difficult time.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Defence Secretary Bereng Mthimkhulu, and SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya have all extended their deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen soldiers. Their messages underscored the profound loss felt across the defence force and the nation.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also expressed his condolences, describing the soldiers as “brave public servants who paid the ultimate sacrifice” in service to their country. He emphasised the significant blow their loss represents to the security cluster and the nation at large, honouring their commitment, dedication, and selfless service in the fight against illegal mining and organised crime.
Despite this tragic setback, Operation Prosper continues to record significant successes in disrupting illegal mining activities and dismantling criminal syndicates operating across Gauteng. During Friday’s operation, which saw the loss of the two soldiers, 20 suspected illegal miners were arrested. This group included 19 undocumented foreign nationals, comprising nine Mozambican nationals, six Zimbabwean nationals, three Malawian nationals, and one Lesotho national, along with one South African national.
These arrests are part of a broader effort. Between 1 April and 30 June 2026, joint operations by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and SANDF in Gauteng led to the arrest of 793 suspects, including 595 undocumented foreign nationals found to be in the country unlawfully. These figures highlight the scale of the challenge and the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to tackle illegal mining.
The tragic deaths have also prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. DA MP Nicholas Gotsell, a member of Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence, highlighted that soldiers are repeatedly asked to confront increasingly sophisticated and dangerous criminal networks. He stressed the government’s duty to ensure troops are properly equipped, adequately trained, and provided with necessary resources for such dangerous missions.
Gotsell stated that the committee would seek a full briefing from the Department of Defence on the incident, including operational planning, risk assessments, and safety measures. He emphasised the responsibility of Parliament to learn every possible lesson to prevent similar tragedies in the future, while honouring the sacrifice of the two soldiers.
Advocate Pikkie Greeff, national secretary of the South African National Defence Union, described the deaths as an “incredible loss” and a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of military service. He praised the bravery of the soldiers, stating that South Africa should be ever thankful for their willingness to undertake such perilous operations.
The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost involved in the battle against illegal mining. The disused mines, often unstable and filled with hidden dangers, pose a constant threat not only to the illegal miners themselves but also to the law enforcement officials tasked with bringing these operations to a halt. The complex underground environments make rescue and recovery operations incredibly challenging, as seen in this latest tragedy.
The fight against illegal mining is not just about crime; it is also about the environmental damage caused, the economic impact on legitimate mining operations, and the social issues that drive individuals to engage in such dangerous work. The loss of these two soldiers underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address all facets of this complex problem.
As the nation mourns the loss of its brave soldiers, the commitment to Operation Prosper remains. The authorities are determined to continue their efforts to secure abandoned mines, disrupt criminal syndicates, and protect communities from the dangers associated with illegal mining. The memory of the fallen will undoubtedly fuel the resolve to make these dangerous environments safer for everyone.
