Two illegal miners were shot dead after a pre-dawn police operation in Carletonville spiralled into a fierce two-hour gun battle between armed suspects and specialised SAPS units.
The South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit (NIU), together with Gauteng Public Order Police (POP), descended on a targeted house on Sunday, February 8, after receiving information that illegal miners were in possession of a large quantity of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
National SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the operation quickly turned violent when suspects attempted to escape moments after police arrived at the scene.
“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.”
What followed was an intense exchange of gunfire, estimated to have lasted two hours, between police and the suspects.
Mathe said the confrontation ended with two illegal miners being fatally wounded at the scene, while police recovered two AK47 assault rifles, two pistols and ammunition.
Despite the severity of the shootout, she confirmed that no police officers were injured during the operation.
Mathe warned that the suspects posed a serious threat to public safety, describing them as highly dangerous.
“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,” she said.
Police have since launched continued surveillance operations in the area as officers hunt for additional suspects who fled into nearby bushes during the firefight.
The Star