Two SANDF soldiers killed during illegal mining operation at abandoned CRD mine

Illegal mining continues to pose one of South Africa’s most pressing security and economic challenges, placing immense pressure on law enforcement agencies tasked with dismantling illicit mining operations. Beyond the financial losses to the mining sector, the ongoing battle against illegal mining is increasingly claiming lives.

The latest tragedy unfolded on Friday, July 17, during an operation at the abandoned CRD mine west of Johannesburg, where two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) lost their lives while pursuing suspected illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas.

According to Major General Fred Kekana, the operation took a devastating turn when the suspects fled into an underground shaft.

“We came here ready to ensure that we execute the plan and, unfortunately, on arrival, the first team noticed some of the illegal miners running into this tunnel. Two of our SANDF members followed them. Unfortunately, they were unfamiliar with the terrain inside. There was water, mud and an extremely hazardous environment. One member slipped, and the second attempted to rescue him. Both became trapped in the muddy water,” Kekana explained.

Emergency rescue teams were immediately deployed in an effort to recover the soldiers.

“We tried to rescue them, but unfortunately, both of them lost their lives,” he said.

Despite the loss, Kekana said the incident would not deter authorities from continuing their efforts to combat illegal mining.

“What I can say is that this is not the end. The incident disrupted the entire operation because we had to suspend our plans to retrieve our colleagues. Sadly, they did not come out alive. It reminds us of the magnitude of the challenge we face, but we will continue our work until this site is dealt with once and for all. Illegal mining will not be allowed to continue here. We will be coming back,” he said.

The deaths underscore the significant risks faced by security personnel operating in abandoned mines, where unstable underground conditions, flooded tunnels and limited visibility make rescue and enforcement operations exceptionally dangerous.

Following the incident, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Secretary for Defence Bereng Mthimkulu and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya extended their deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen soldiers.

The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of South Africa’s ongoing fight against illegal mining, as authorities continue to confront criminal networks operating in abandoned mine shafts across the country.