SA Police chief General Bheki Cele on Thursday visited a Harmony Mine shaft near Welkom to be briefed on illegal miners.
Arriving in Welkom by helicopter just before noon, Cele was taken to the Masinong shaft, where he was briefed by mine staff.
His on-site visit was expected to include a tour underground.
Journalists were not allowed at the briefing, and were prohibited by police and mine security from attending proceedings.
Cele was expected to talk to the media after his excursion underground. - Sapa