Illegal miners rescued from Florida shaft

08 January 2014 - 09:13
By Sapa
Miners. Photo: MARIANNE SCHANKHART
Miners. Photo: MARIANNE SCHANKHART

About 10 illegal miners were rescued from an illegal mine in Florida, on the West Rand, Gauteng police said on Tuesday.

"One of them was injured," spokeswoman Colonel Noxolo Kweza said.

Search and rescue operations were continuing and it was expected that more illegal miners could be found.

Earlier, a 33-year-old man was arrested in the area for illegal mining and trespassing.

"Florida SAPS responded to a call from a local resident about a group [of people] with dangerous weapons. We arrested a 33-year-old man who was found at the scene," Kweza said.

The man was found in the veld between Hamberg and Main Reef roads, believed to be an illegal mining ground. Kweza said the man indicated to officers that he was working underground.