Two SANDF members fall to their death chasing suspected Zama zamas
The South African National Defence Force has confirmed the death of two soldiers during an anti-illegal mining operation at abandoned mine.
Following efforts by specialised emergency response teams, the soldiers' bodies were retrieved from an abandoned shaft at the CRD mine on Friday afternoon.
In a joint statement, the SANDF and South African Police Service said the pair had been carrying out their duties, combatting illegal mining under Operation Prosper, when they identified suspected illegal miners at the CRD Mine, west of Johannesburg.
“At approximately 06:00 hours this morning, Friday, 17 July 2026, SA National Defence Force members conducting an anti-illegal mining operation at the unused and abandoned mine spotted suspected illegal miners (Zama-Zamas) exiting the underground workings and a pursuit of the suspects ensued into a tunnel,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Brenda Muridili.
Muridili said the two soldiers lost their footing and fell into an abandoned vertical shaft.
“Specialised emergency response units, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management teams, were activated immediately.”
Meanwhile, the SANDF’s Siphiwe Dlamini said the names of the deceased soldiers were being withheld until their next of kin had been formally informed.
“Regrettably, the recovery operation has concluded with the retrieval of the bodies of both members. The process of formally identifying the deceased and notifying their next of kin is currently underway.”
He said the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, the Secretary for Defence, Bereng Mthimkhulu, and the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, extend their condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen soldiers.
SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS ARRESTED
Gauteng deputy provincial commissioner Fred Kekana said the operation to root out illegal miners was disrupted by the tragedy; however, arrests have been made.
“When we had to go in to rescue our members, we managed to get those that were in proximity. We only arrested 20; nine of them are Mozambican, six are Zimbabweans, three are Malawians, one is a Lesotho national, and one is a South African.”
He said all arrested suspects would be charged for illegal mining, while the 19 foreign nationals could also face immigration-related charges.
“In terms of the Mining Act, to do mining without a license is an offense. Even to be in a space that does not belong to you and you start excavating is illegal on its own. To be in possession of gold-bearing material is a crime,” Kekana added.
According to police, between 01 April and 30 June 2026, the joint operations conducted by SAPS and SANDF in Gauteng resulted in the arrest of 793 suspects, including 595 illegal immigrants found to be unlawfully in the country.
These operations also led to the seizure of a substantial quantity of illegal mining equipment, including generators and phendukas, as well as 973 859 grams of gold-bearing material.
BLOW TO THE FIGHT AGAINST ORGANISED CRIME
Meanwhile, Acting Police Minister Feroz Chachalia reiterated that the circumstances around the incident were being investigated.
He described the soldiers’ deaths as a blow to the security cluster and the nation as a whole.
"The sacrifices made by our members and soldiers will not be in vain. We remain steadfast in our efforts to eradicate illegal mining and protect South Africa's economic interests from criminal syndicates,” said Cachalia.
Acting National Police Commissioner Puleng Dimpane also paid tribute to the soldiers.
“SANDF members have been invaluable partners in Operation Prosper and other crime-fighting initiatives. Their bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We remain committed to ensuring that the work they dedicated their lives to continues," said Dimpane.
ALSO READ:
