Illegal Mining
By Mpho Moloi
Police in Mpumalanga are investigating a shooting incident between suspected illegal miners and law enforcement in Sabie.
The three suspects were shot on Thursday, when law enforcement were conducting routine patrols in the area of New Village mining shaft.
Police spokesperson Donald Mdhluli says one officer from the K9 Unit was shot in the leg.
“In response, the law enforcement officers fired back and it was during this period when three alleged miners were fatally shot. Two AK-47 rifles as well as approximately 500 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 rifles were recovered at the crime scene. The injured member was taken to hospital for medical treatment.”
A case of attempted murder is being investigated, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate will lead the investigation with regard to circumstances surrounding this incident.
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in combating illegal mining activities in the region. Earlier this year, in April, police seized 36 phendukas, eight gas bottles, five gas regulators, and a cutting torch at the Sabie informal settlement during a crackdown on illegal mining operations.
In a similar operation in December 2023, a multidisciplinary team removed illegal mining equipment from alleged miners in Sabie, seizing bags filled with gold-bearing soil, eight phendukas, four motors, five grinders, gas bottles, and two explosive super power 90 blasting cartridges.
The proliferation of illegal mining, often involving heavily armed groups, poses significant risks to both law enforcement and local communities. The recovery of high-powered firearms and large quantities of ammunition in the recent incident highlights the dangerous nature of these operations.
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