EMALAHLENI — Fear and uncertainty have gripped the Clewer community near eMalahleni, where a desperate rescue operation has been underway to locate men believed to be trapped underground following alleged illegal mining at the abandoned Mlalazi Mine. The search was launched after a chilling tip-off linked the disappearance of 45-year-old Tshepo Motsiye, last seen on June 13, to a disused shaft where signs of tampering were recently discovered.
The unfolding crisis has rallied police, mine authorities, and concerned family members, but rescue efforts are being severely hindered by the life-threatening conditions inside the shaft.
According to Captain Vusi Mnisi of Vosman SAPS, Motsiye had informed his girlfriend that he was heading to “Vosman Circle” on the day he disappeared. When he failed to return and stopped responding to calls, his girlfriend alerted his family, who then reported him missing on June 17.
While the family was still trying to make sense of his sudden disappearance, an unknown man arrived at their home with shocking information. He claimed he had been with Motsiye and three other men when two of them became trapped underground during illegal mining activity. Before he could be questioned further, the man left abruptly, raising more questions in a case already shrouded in mystery and danger.
Since receiving the tip-off, authorities and search teams have been searching the area around the Mlalazi shaft, where signs of tampering were found at a previously sealed borehole. Although the shaft has since been reopened and food and water have been lowered, there has been no contact with those believed to be underground.
“Sealed-off mine areas are extremely hazardous,” said Hulisani Rasivhaga, Head of Communications at Thungela. “There are risks of toxic gas build up, structural collapse, oxygen deficiency, and other dangers. We continue to support the SAPS and affected families in the investigation and search efforts.”
Illegal mining, often referred to as zama zama activity, continues to plague South Africa’s abandoned mines. Many individuals risk their lives underground in pursuit of survival. These shafts, though dormant on the surface, are riddled with hidden threats such as toxic gases, unstable ground, and water seepage that could trigger deadly collapses.
A spokesperson for Greenside Colliery confirmed that the borehole cover had been tampered with and that search teams were deployed after concerned family members reported the incident. “Despite extensive surface-level efforts over the weekend, the individuals have not yet been located,” the statement read.
Tshepo Motsiye’s family continues to cling to hope. “We just want him to come back home,” said his sister, Nomsa Motsiye. “If anyone knows anything, please come forward. Every moment counts.”
As the rescue operation enters its second week, the team faces mounting pressure, not only from the anxious community but also from the mine’s treacherous conditions. With no contact and no sightings so far, the fate of the missing men remains painfully uncertain.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from abandoned mining sites and to report any suspected illegal mining activity. The search at Mlalazi Mine remains active, with officials confirming that every effort is being made to locate the missing men before it is too late.
