Six suspects believed of being involved in illegal mining and gangsterism in Ekurhuleni were arrested in Actonville on January 8.
Gauteng police spokesperson Col Lungelo Dlamini said the suspects were arrested in an open field near Actonville during a gun battle.
“The men could be linked to illegal mining and gang battles that have been taking place in Benoni, Springs and Actonville,” said Dlamini.
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Police seized five unlicensed firearms, including a revolver and four pistols.
“Further investigations are being conducted to determine if the gangs could have been responsible for several murders of illegal miners and house robberies in these areas.”
A case of attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal mining was opened at the Actonville SAPS.
Dlamini said as police continue to deal with illegal mining, it is believed that the firearms confiscated were used by the rival gangs to attack each other.
“Bodies of suspected illegal miners were found dumped in an open veld in Benoni last year and police are investigating whether the firearms seized may be linked to the murders,” Dlamini said.
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