SA defence force will assist in mineshaft rescue operation

The SA Defence Force will be at the site to plan a way forward today.

A visit by representatives of the SANDF to see if they are able to help with the rescue of a child that fell down this mineshaft near Witfield in Ekurhuleni, 2 March 2017. Picture: Neil McCartney

The South African National Defence Force has heeded the call from Ekurhuleni Mayor Mzwandile Masina and will assist in rescuing the boy who on Saturday fell down a mineshaft in the Jerusalem informal settlement, reports the Boksburg Advertiser.

The mayor indicated on Wednesday that he sent an official request to the ministry of defence for further assistance in the rescue operation of a five-year-old boy who fell down a mineshaft on Saturday.

Spokesperson in the office of the Ekurhuleni mayor Gugu Ndima said the department of mineral resources had dispatched a team led by the mine rescue services, which gave a detailed report of all possible dangers of the operation and limitations.

Ndima said the mayor indicated that all avenues that were available would be exhausted prior to calling off the rescue mission.

“The SANDF will be on site from 10am to further advise and assist on the possibilities of what can be achieved and hopefully bring finality to the matter.”

According to a tweet by the City of Ekurhuleni, the SA Defence Force (SANDF) helicopter would land at the site at around 11.30am on Thursday morning:

the #SANDF has heeded the call from Mayor @mzwandileMasina asking for further assistance in the rescue mission. The chopper lands at 11H30

— CITY OF EKURHULENI (@City_Ekurhuleni) March 2, 2017