Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
11 February 2025 | 10:16 CAT

Emergency teams map out their rescue plans for two illegal miners trapped in a disused mine shaft in Roodeport. (File photo, IOL)

Rescue operations for a group of illegal miners, known as Zama Zamas, trapped at an abandoned mine in Florida, Johannesburg, have been temporarily halted due to dangerous conditions within the shaft. Authorities are working to gather intelligence from local communities to determine an alternative entry point.

The Johannesburg Emergency Services  were alerted to the incident on Sunday afternoon, following reports of Zama Zamas being trapped in a disused mineshaft at the Rand Leases mines in Roodepoort. In an interview with Radio Islam International, Spokesperson Robert Malaudzi confirmed that rescue teams, including police and emergency responders, were immediately dispatched to the site.

“On our first attempt, we descended about 15 meters into the shaft before returning to the surface,” Malaudzi stated. “We faced oxygen deficiencies of around 18 to 14 percent, making further descent dangerous. On our third attempt, we reached 70 meters and found a wooden makeshift platform. However, beyond that point, the structure became unstable, forcing us to call off the operation.”

According to Malaudzi, a hole leading to a set of makeshift stairs was discovered, but further descent was deemed too risky. “That area was too dangerous for our team to proceed,” he explained. “The safety of our rescue personnel is our top priority, and we had to halt operations until a safer approach is identified.”

Authorities are now exploring alternative access points, relying on intelligence from the surrounding communities. “We are seeking information that may help us locate another entrance to the same shaft,” Malaudzi noted. “Once we have enough intelligence, we will activate the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) and our mine rescue unit to continue with the mission.”

At this stage, the fate of the trapped miners remains unknown. The search and rescue efforts will resume once a viable access route is established.

With illegal mining operations persisting across South Africa, incidents like this highlight the grave risks faced by Zama Zamas and the challenges authorities encounter in responding to such emergencies. The situation remains under close watch, and further updates will follow as the rescue mission progresses.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Spokesperson Robert Malaudzi here.