Johannesburg – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the deaths of two soldiers who fell into an abandoned mine shaft while pursuing suspected illegal miners during Operation Prosper in West Johannesburg on Friday morning.
In a statement issued on 17 July, the SANDF said the incident occurred at approximately 06:00 at the abandoned CRD Mine, where troops were conducting anti-illegal mining operations.
According to the military, SANDF members spotted suspected illegal miners emerging from the underground workings and gave chase into a tunnel.
“A pursuit ensued into a tunnel, during which the two members tragically fell into an open, abandoned vertical mine shaft,” the statement said.
Specialised emergency response teams, including Mine Rescue Services and disaster management personnel, were immediately deployed to the scene.
The 🇿🇦SA National Defence Force Media Statement || 17 July 2026 || SA National Defence Force confirms the tragic loss of 🕊️life of two members during Operation PROSPER in the west of Johannesburg.
🇿🇦#SANDF
🇿🇦#JointOperationsDivision
🇿🇦#OperationPROSPER
🇿🇦🕊️ #RIPSASoldiers pic.twitter.com/9EQE703dxT— SA National Defence Force 🇿🇦 (@SANDF_ZA) July 17, 2026
The SANDF confirmed that the recovery operation has been completed and the bodies of both soldiers have been retrieved.
Authorities are now working to formally identify the deceased and notify their next of kin. Their names will be withheld until their families have been informed.
“The process of formally identifying the deceased and notifying their next of kin is currently underway. The names of the members will be released once their families have been fully informed,” the SANDF said.
The military expressed its condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the fallen soldiers.
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Secretary for Defence Dr Berene Mthimkhulu and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya extended their “deepest, most heartfelt condolences” following the tragedy.
Operation Prosper is a government-led operation aimed at combating illegal mining activities across South Africa. The circumstances surrounding the incident are expected to form part of an investigation.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, X and Instagram
Picture: X/ @SANDF_ZA
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
