SANDF probing deaths of 4 soldiers near mine shaft in North West

JOHANNESBURG – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is investigating the deaths of four of its members who died in Orkney in the North West.  

The SANDF said that the deceased members were discovered inside a container structure that was used as a guard house for those on 24-hour duty on Saturday by members who were meant to relieve them for the next shift.  

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The military said that the members were deployed on a 24-hour shift at dormant mine shaft 3, located near the disused Harry Oppenheimer Stadium, which has been a hotspot for illegal mining.  

The soldiers were assigned there as part of Operation Vala Umgodi.

The operation aims to tackle illegal mining activities.

“SAPS [South African Police Service] was called in, and upon inspection of the scene, all four had died, with their rifles on them and their items still with them. The district surgeon was called to the scene and examined the bodies and confirmed no injuries,” said SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini.