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Various teams are on the ground at a disused shaft in Roodepoort.
Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, says they are prioritising the safety of the mine rescuers at a disused mine in Roodepoort, Johannesburg.
This is as more teams are dispatched to join the search for people believed to be illegal miners.
Mulaudzi says it is unclear how many people remain trapped, however, rescue teams are doing all that they can.
“We must emphasise, it’s about the safety of the rescuers. If the situation is not conducive for us to move further, then we’ll have to take the decision as and when we get there. I think on that one we have to be clear to make sure that we don’t create another incident on top of the other one.”
@CityofJoburgEMS Rescuers, Saps Search and Rescue, Gauteng EMS are currently attending to a search and rescue operation of illegal miners believed to be trapped in old disused mine shaft in Roodepoort. @CityofJoburgZA @CoJPublicSafety pic.twitter.com/tzQhKR53Rt
— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) February 9, 2025
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy has also joined the search and rescue efforts. Police have also cordoned off the area not allowing any civilians in.
EMS says they go below 16 meters into the shaft and therefore had to activate the Department of Mining to come and assess the scene.
More teams have been dispatched with advanced equipment.
The mine was rehabilitated a few years ago, however, EMS says it appears it has now been used for illegal mining.
Meanwhile community members have gathered outside wondering if those trapped inside are still alive.
VIDEO | Community members say they know about the illegal mining that has been happening in the area:
