Vermaak said earlier that about 30 people were trapped towards the top of the old shaft and the rest down a steep tunnel.
He said rescue workers were able to speak to the miners trapped near the top. The miners reportedly told rescuers that no one was injured. However, the conditions underground were unknown, Vermaak said.
Water was lowered down to the miners who are believed to be about five metres underground.
The incident highlighted the growing concern about illegal mining in the country. In March 2012, at least 20 illegal miners were buried alive after a rockfall hit a closed gold mine in the eastern South African province of Gauteng.
Early last month, 40 illegal miners were rescued after being trapped at a mine shaft, west of Johannesburg.
