Gauteng police have shot and killed a wanted illegal mining kingpin in Carletonville during an intelligence-driven operation targeting violent mining syndicates.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo/Independent Media
Gauteng police have shot and killed a wanted suspect alleged to be a key figure in underground illegal mining in Carletonville, Gauteng, after allegedly pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at officers during a tracing operation.
The suspect was shot dead on Sunday, August 30.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the suspect was shot by members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU) during an intelligence-driven tracing operation in the area.
Mathe said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and disrupt violent criminal activities associated with illegal mining in the Carletonville area.
Mathe said NIU members proceeded to a residence on Sunday where the suspect was believed to be staying.
“Upon arrival, police announced their presence and identified themselves as police officers.”
Mathe said the suspect responded by pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at police.
“The members were compelled to respond with force, resulting in the suspect sustaining fatal gunshot wounds.”
She said an AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were seized at the scene.
Mathe said the deceased suspect was known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area.
“He is believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area.”
She said the shooting formed part of broader police efforts to tackle violence linked to illegal mining.
“The SAPS continues to intensify operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting the activities of criminal syndicates and restoring law and order in communities affected by illegal mining and associated violence,” she added.
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