Illegal Mining | Inquest opened into the deaths of 4 SANDF members

ORKNEY, NORTH WEST - Police have opened an inquest into the death of four members of the South Africa National Defence Force.

The soldiers were on duty as part of Operation Vala Umgodi. 

The operation deals with illegal mining activities. Soldiers were deployed to a dormant mining shaft in Orkney, North West Province.

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Situated close to the Harry Oppenheimer stadium, the shaft was identified as a possible hot spot for illegal mining.

The deceased members were found inside a container structure which was used as a guard house for the operation.

 They were found with their rifles and personal items. 

Initial investigations suggest the soldiers may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.