By Sinenhlanhla Masilela.
Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have died after falling into an abandoned vertical mine shaft while pursuing suspected illegal miners during an anti-illegal mining operation in Western Johannesburg.
The incident occurred at about 6am on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the abandoned CRD Mine during Operation Prosper, a joint operation targeting illegal mining activities.
According to the SANDF, soldiers deployed at the site spotted suspected illegal miners emerging from the underground workings before giving chase into a tunnel. During the pursuit, the two members fell into an open, abandoned vertical mine shaft.
Specialised emergency response teams, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management personnel, were immediately dispatched to the scene. Recovery operations were later completed, with the bodies of both soldiers retrieved from the shaft
The SANDF said the process of formally identifying the deceased and notifying their next of kin is under way. Their identities will only be released once their families have been informed.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Secretary for Defence Bereng Mthimkhulu and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya extended their condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the two fallen soldiers.
“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,” the military said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia expressed his deepest condolences over the loss of the SANDF members.
“The loss of these courageous soldiers is a devastating blow to the security cluster and the nation at large. We honour their commitment, dedication and selfless service in the fight against illegal mining and organised crime,” said Cachalia.
Despite the tragic loss, national police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said Operation Prosper continues to achieve significant success in disrupting illegal mining activities and dismantling criminal syndicates operating in abandoned and active mining areas across Gauteng.
During Friday’s operations in Gauteng, Mathe said a total of illegal miners were arrested, of whom 19 are illegal foreign nationals.
“These include nine Mozambican nationals, six Zimbabwean nationals, three Malawian nationals and one Lesotho national. One South African national was also arrested.”
The Ministry of Police has reaffirmed government’s resolve to intensify the fight against illegal mining and bring those responsible for plundering the country’s mineral resources to justice.
“The sacrifices made by our members and soldiers will not be in vain. We remain steadfast in our efforts to eradicate illegal mining and protect South Africa’s economic interests from criminal syndicates,” Cachalia added.