Police arrest six suspected illegal miners after shootout
Six men, suspected of being illegal miners, were arrested in Riverlea, in the south of Johannesburg, following a shootout with police on Friday.
The police recovered unlicensed firearms and ammunition from the suspects.
According to police, authorities had received intelligence regarding illegal mining activities in Riverlea.
Acting on this information, members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) launched an operation to locate the suspects and upon arriving at the designated area, police discovered tools commonly used in illegal mining.
“As officers began to confiscate the equipment, the suspects opened fire on the police, leading to an exchange of gunfire,” said Gauteng Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo.
Two suspects arrested at the scene were found in possession of a rifle, a pistol, and magazines loaded with ammunition.
Four additional suspects were apprehended nearby.
The suspects face multiple charges, including possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition, and attempted murder.
Further investigation revealed that all the individuals are in the country illegally.
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