The body of a woman was found in a shaft at the Kroondal Platinum Mine in Rustenburg, North West on Wednesday, the Aquarius Platinum mining company said.

“The employee’s name is being withheld out of respect for her family. The board and management of Aquarius extend to them their deepest condolences,” the company said.

“While the circumstances of the incident cannot be disclosed, it was apparent during the initial investigation that the woman may have been assaulted.”

Blasting activities at the Kwezi shaft, where the body was found, had been suspended until police investigations were completed.

Police could not immediately be reached for comment.

– SAPA