Two SANDF members killed in mine shaft fall during illegal mining crackdown

Two members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have died after falling into an abandoned mine shaft while pursuing suspected illegal miners during an anti-illegal mining operation in West Johannesburg on Friday morning.

In a statement issued on Friday afternoon, the SANDF confirmed the deaths, saying the members were deployed as part of Operation Prosper, the multi-agency crackdown targeting illegal mining syndicates and organised crime.

“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) regrets to confirm the loss of life of two (2) of its members on Friday, 17 July 2026, during an anti-illegal mining operation under Operation Prosper,” the statement said.

According to the SANDF, the incident occurred at approximately 6am at the abandoned CRD Mine in West Johannesburg.

“At approximately 06:00 hours this morning, SANDF members deployed at the abandoned CRD Mine in West Johannesburg spotted suspected illegal miners exiting the underground workings. A pursuit ensued into a tunnel, during which the two members tragically fell into an open, abandoned vertical mine shaft.”