Six arrested, guns recovered after shootout between illegal miners and law enforcement

SAPS Flying Squad, Highway Patrol and JMPD members were involved in a shootout with illegal miners.

The confrontation led to the arrest of the six suspects, five of whom were wounded, one of whom was fatally wounded and three firearms were recovered.

According to Germiston’s Flying Squad communication officer Sergeant Ntombikayise Ngcobo, the incident occurred in the late afternoon of September 18.

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She said Sergeant Jaco Powell and Constable Juan-Mare Eksteen were in Rabie Ridge when they received a call for backup from Germiston crime prevention members. The officers were at the Germiston mine dumps where illegal miners were shooting at them.

Powell and Eksteen were on the scene with a JMPD officer and two Highway Patrol officers.

“They noticed 30 to 40 suspected miners running through a hole in the wall from the mine.”

Ngcobo said at least three AK47s and around 15 pistols were noticed.

Seeing the group, the members exited their vehicles and identified themselves as police.

“They allegedly got a response from these suspects requesting them not to shoot, as they were also police.

“Suddenly the officers came under gunfire from the large group and retaliated,” said Ngcobo.

Ngcobo said six suspects took cover behind a stationary truck on Main Reef Road and continued shooting at officers.

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“The members continued with tactical retaliation.”

This led to six suspects being wounded, one fatally. Three 9mm pistols with their serial numbers filed off were also recovered.

Ngcobo said one of the wounded suspects, found in possession of a firearm, also had 70 live rounds of ammunition on him.

All wounded suspects were transported to local hospitals under police guard.

Detectives, forensics, IPID and all necessary role players attended the scene.

Ngcobo said no police members were injured throughout the shootout.

She said members were commended for their bravery under gunfire, standing up to such a large armed force and not backing down.