Zamas trapped underground has likely died
Two men believed to be zama zamas who remain trapped in a Rand Leases mine shaft are presumed dead after more than a week underground.
At least two suspected illegal miners trapped in a Rand Leases mine shaft will remain underground.
According to the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (CoJEMS) spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, the men entered the disused air ventilation shaft on February 8 and were trapped in an apparent collapse more than 70m underground.
A family member of one of the trapped men managed to make contact with Florida Community Police Forum (CPF) chairperson Farhaad Sardiwalla, who responded to the scene and alerted authorities.
• Also read: Mine collapse: Residents attempt own rescue
The families of the men deny that they are illegal miners, stating that the men left home to look for firewood. They are unsure as to how they ended up underground.
At the Roodepoort Record’s arrival at the site the next day, moaning and shouts for help could be heard emanating from the shaft.
Mulaudzi explained that rescuers had descended to a makeshift wooden platform about 70m down the shaft, where they encountered a connecting shaft with a makeshift ladder leading down it.
Authorities suspended the rescue mission at about 17:00 on February 9, citing safety concerns and adding that the operation would resume the next day. However, it was called off again after just a few hours.
By this point, any sign of life from the shaft had ceased.
Mulaudzi told the Record that oxygen levels in the tunnel were measured at around 15% and it was deemed too dangerous for rescuers to enter.
• Read the initial article here: Two trapped in collapsed mine shaft in Roodepoort
“The place where the shafts converge is too unstable. We cannot risk sending rescuers into a situation where they are likely to become victims themselves.”
Mulaudzi added that attempts were underway to convince local illegal miners to disclose the location of a so-called main entrance; an alleged alternative underground route to the shaft.
The Record approached Florida police’s acting station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Ivy Mabuso, who confirmed that none of the illegal miners interviewed were willing to divulge this information, likely for fear of reprisal from the Basotho overlords who jealously guard the illegal mines.
Mine Rescue Services CEO Mannas Fourie confirmed that the men trapped underground are more than likely deceased.
“At less than 15% oxygen levels, chances of survival are nearly zero,” he said. “We also tested airflow in the shaft and it was nearly non-existent.
“In addition, the second shaft where the men are trapped tapers away from the air ventilation shaft at an angle. Our rescue personnel are among the most highly trained and professional in the world.
“It is impossible to safely retrieve the men from the shaft, thus a decision was made to call off the operation indefinitely until a safer alternative can be accomplished.”
The Record approached Department of Mineral Resources spokesperson, Makhosonke Buthelezi, for comment, but none was forthcoming at the time of publication.
