JOHANNESBURG - A search and rescue operation is underway after two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members slipped and fell into an abandoned mine shaft in west Johannesburg.
The incident happened at about 6am on Friday while the soldiers were conducting an anti-illegal mining operation at an unused mine.
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Police spokesperson Brenda Muridili said the SANDF members spotted suspected illegal miners exiting the underground workings.
"Specialised emergency response units, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management teams, were activated immediately and are currently on-site executing rescue efforts," said Muridili.
She added that the highly complex underground conditions need specialised resources, which have been mobilised to the scene to assist with the rescue