Underground search for missing teen in Randfontein suspended
Efforts to recover a missing Gauteng boy have been halted after attempts to drain a mine shaft failed, with groundwater continuously refilling the site.
The search for the missing 17-year-old Fazel Benns has stalled after renewed efforts to access a water-filled mine shaft proved unsuccessful, reports Randfontein Herald.
Fazel was last seen on February 15, when he and 21-year-old Ashley Scheepers were allegedly kidnapped in Toekomsrus.
Days later, Scheepers’ body was discovered in the abandoned mine shaft, while Fazel remains missing.
Two teenagers, aged 18 and 15, have been arrested and charged with murder and kidnapping.
They appeared in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court, where the 18-year-old accused remained in custody, while the 15-year-old is in a place of safety. The outcome of the bail application heard on Friday (May 15) is not yet known at this stage.
Search
The Myburgh Foundation, working alongside the police’s search and rescue teams, and representatives from the mine’s ground stability and footprint reduction department, made another attempt to drain the unused shaft on Wednesday (May 13).
Despite hours of pumping, the operation did not succeed. Underground water, believed to be flowing from an unknown source, continuously refilled the shaft, preventing any significant reduction in the water level.
As a result, visibility at the bottom of the shaft remained poor, making it impossible for rescue teams to carry out an effective recovery operation.
Suspended
It was officially determined that the water levels could not be lowered under the current conditions. Consequently, search and recovery operations at the site have been temporarily suspended, and Fazel’s family has been informed of the development.
The foundation confirmed that discussions are now underway with mining representatives regarding the permanent closure of the shaft. An official date for the closure process will be communicated through the relevant platforms to prevent the site from again being used to conceal acts of violence.
In a statement, the foundation expressed its gratitude to everyone involved, acknowledging the dedication and commitment shown by the police members, as well as the mine’s operations team, in their efforts to bring closure to the Benns family during this difficult time.
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