NATIONAL NEWS - Efforts to rescue two illegal miners trapped in a disused mine in Johannesburg were suspended on Monday, emergency management services said.
"The rescue technicians have called off their rescue effort due to unstable ground and dangerous working conditions. It has been called off until further notice," said spokesman Robert Mulaudzi.
"It is impossible to say at this time what condition the miners are in," he said.
Mulaudzi said every avenue was being explored to rescue the miners even though the operation had been suspended. The rescue effort was also postponed over the weekend, and late Thursday evening.
Rescuers knew where the two miners were within the shaft system.
The men, both Zimbabwean, were part of a group illegally mining for gold in a disused shaft at Durban Deep on the West Rand. They were caught in a rockfall shortly after midnight on Thursday.
Six illegal miners, all Zimbabweans, escaped and raised the alarm. Another five had since emerged from the mine.
Mulaudzi said on Thursday there could be more miners underground, but that efforts were focused on getting the two out of the mine.
Police would take over security of the site until rescue efforts resumed.
Source : Sapa/George Herald
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