Gauteng Police have again acknowledged the scale of illegal mining in the province and the dangers it poses.
This follows the deaths of two SANDF soldiers who fell down a shaft at the abandoned CRD Mine in Florida, west of Johannesburg, during an operation on Friday.
The South African National Defence Force said that it will release the soldiers’ names once their families have been notified.
Police said that as painful as it is, the tragedy will not derail Operation Prosper, adding that efforts to eradicate illegal mining will continue.
Police have again admitted that they are fighting a dangerous battle against so-called Zama Zamas and the hazardous environments in which they operate.
They said that Friday’s operation was intelligence-driven and carefully planned as part of Operation Prosper, which targets illegal mining.
Deputy National Police Commissioner Fred Kekana said that one soldier fell into a vertical shaft while pursuing suspects. A second soldier tried to rescue him but also fell into the shaft. Both died.
Kekana added that the tunnel was wet and muddy, creating extremely dangerous conditions.
He said that police will continue operations in the area in honour of the fallen soldiers.
EWN has also confirmed the two soldiers were aged 32 and 33.
Nkosikhona Malinga-Mnisi
www.ewn.co.za
