JOHANNESBURG – Emergency service officials worked tirelessly from Saturday October 18 in an effort to rescue an illegal miner who was trapped in a mine dump in Booysens. He was found dead on Sunday October 19.
Warrant Officer Lorraine van Emmerik confirmed the incident and said an inquest case had been opened with Central Johannesburg Police.
According to EWN the body of the 26-year-old illegal miner was pulled from a mine-dump late Sunday night.
He is believed to have been trapped in a trench since Saturday.
Johannesburg Emergency Services Robert Mulaudzi says they can’t afford to lose many more lives.
“One life lost is one too many. We can’t afford to lose so many lives on a day-to-day basis, while they are busy conducting these illegal activities,” said Mr Mulaudzi.