Alleged failed suicide attempt leaves man injured
It is alleged the man survived the fall because he had a tiny build and was quite short.
A 25-year-old foreigner was left with a rib fracture after he fell down an open mine shaft on Sunday, 27 November at about noon.
It is alleged the man was trying to commit suicide by jumping down the 24-metre shaft. The man allegedly trespassed on the mine’s property. When he discovered the open shaft, he removed his clothes and folded them neatly. He allegedly placed the clothes next to the shaft and then jumped into it.
Photo: Krugersdorp Police
It is not clear who discovered him, but Netcare 911 paramedics, Mine Rescue Services South Africa (MRSSA) and the Krugersdorp Police’s K9 Unit were called to the scene later that day. Netcare paramedics were dispatched to assist officials from MRSSA to rescue the man from the abandoned shaft. It is alleged rescue officers took almost three hours to rescue the man.
The patient only sustained moderate injuries despite falling down the deep shaft. It is alleged the man survived the fall because he had a tiny build and was quite short. It is also believed the shaft contained some tree branches that allegedly helped to break the man’s fall. Paramedics stabilised the man and transported him to Leratong Hospital. It is alleged the man will undergo psychiatric evaluation.
The shaft has been inactive for quite a while and was previously filled with concrete. It is believed the shaft was reopened a few months ago to salvage remaining scrap metal.
The bottom of the shaft is closed and there is no sign of illegal mining activity. The shaft was only used as a ventilation shaft.
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