Deaths of two soldiers in mine shaft spark debate over SANDF training standards
Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers died after falling into an abandoned mine shaft west of Johannesburg during an anti‑illegal mining operation – sparking debate over training standards.
Soldier training differs from civilian policing support Wingrin said for domestic support operations such as Operation Prosper, SANDF members receive additional preparation covering issues such as operating in a civilian environment, communication and coordination with the South African Police Service (Saps) and the legal framework governing support to the police.
Military expert Dean Wingrin said that despite decades of underfunding affecting the SANDF’s primary mission equipment and supporting systems, South African soldiers were generally well trained.
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