Five arrested and no-one injured after Golden Drive shoot-out

No-one was injured during a shoot-out between police and suspected illegal miners on Thursday (September 1).

Benoni Police Station W/O Paul Maimela opens the door of one of the shacks to see what was inside.

The fire-fight ensued after the Benoni SAPS ventured into New Modder, just off Golden Drive, in search of illegal miners.

“We received information indicating that illegal miners were living in the informal settlement off Golden Drive,” said Brig Johan Jacobs, Benoni Police Station commander.

Jacobs praised the combined efforts of Benoni law enforcement, including the EMPD, the CPF, Ekurhuleni Metro and various security companies.

He said five truck loads of illegal mining equipment were confiscated during the operation.

He considers it a major success.

“No-one was hit or killed during the exchange of fire,” Jacobs said.

“With the help of the chopper, we arrested five suspected illegal miners.”

The shooting took place near the mine shafts along Golden Drive.

“The gunmen started shooting at police when we entered the area in search of illegal miners,” Jacobs said.

“The police officers were strategically placed and moved tactically, avoiding stray bullets.

“Police fired warning shots and only shot back when absolutely necessary, to keep the shooters at bay.”

Explosives which were recovered after police raided the shacks where suspected illegal miners were living.

A Benoni SAPS member stands behind a shack as the suspected illegal miners revisit the scene.

The operation ran from about 8.30am till 5pm.

“We found no firearms, but could not extend the operation, as it became late and we didn’t want to put the officers’ lives in danger by continuing at night,” Jacobs said.

Among the equipment seized were gas bottles, ball bearings, 230 phendukas (bowl with perforated bottom to sift water and soil from gold dust) and more.

“As soon as they started shooting at police, everyone got involved; eventually the CPF, EMPD and various security companies were there,” Jacobs added.

“It proved to me we can achieve success if everyone works together.”

The suspects were arrested for being in the country illegally, while two of them were also charged for being in possession of unlicensed explosives.