Two illegal miners were killed and four others arrested, following a gun battle with the police at Blyvooruitzig Gold Mine, in Carletonville, west of Johannesburg.
The incident come after the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Public Order Police (POP) led an intelligence driven operation in Carletonville.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, police receive information that there were illegal miners in possession of a large consignment of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
“Upon arrival at the targeted house at around 04:00 on Sunday morning, members observed suspects attempting to flee by jumping out through windows.
The suspects immediately opened fire on police officers and members responded accordingly.
A prolonged exchange, estimated to be two hours of gunfire ensued between the suspects and police.
As a result of the confrontation, two illegal miners were declared dead at the scene, two AK47s, two pistols and ammunition were seized,” said Mathe.
Despite the high risk and intensity of the operation, no police officers were injured.
“The suspects identified as Basotho nationals are assessed as extremely dangerous and pose a threat to public safety, as they showed no hesitation in engaging police.
Police continue to conduct surveillance operations in the area to apprehend those that ran into bushes,” highlighted Mathe.
