South African authorities suspended rescue operations on Monday for an undisclosed number of illegal miners trapped in an abandoned mine shaft west of Johannesburg, citing safety risks.
Rescue teams had descended 70 meters into the shaft to a makeshift platform before deeming the operation too dangerous to continue, according to Johannesburg Emergency Services official Robert Mulaudzi.
“The search and rescue operation has been terminated for now, due to safety concerns for the rescuers,” Mulaudzi told national broadcaster SABC. “Such a complex operation poses significant risks.”
The miners became trapped when a pulley system, used to enter and exit the mine, malfunctioned, SABC reported.
The mine’s ownership remains undisclosed, and Mulaudzi said rescue teams are exploring alternative entry points while also liaising with community members for possible leads.
Last month, at least 78 bodies were recovered from another illegal gold mine after police blocked food and water supplies for months as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activity.
Illegal mining, prevalent in various parts of South Africa, involves undocumented miners, often referred to as “zama zamas”—a term from the isiZulu language meaning “taking a chance.” These miners typically occupy abandoned commercial mines to extract leftover resources.