Groups of gunmen, believed to be rival illegal miners and organised crime syndicates, have turned the mining site on Main Reef Road between Rietfontein and Rondebult roads in Cason into a war zone.
In the latest conflict on February 9, police said they received reports about a shooting at about 13:20 in the veld opposite Pebble Falls Lifestyle Estates in Main Reef Road.
Acting on the tip-off, officers visited the site and saw a group of suspected illegal miners.
Police from various stations and units, including Boksburg North, Boksburg, Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team, Highway Patrol and private security companies, also responded.
“As officers approached, the armed group started shooting at the police and a shoot-out ensued. With the assistance of a police helicopter, officers arrested 11 suspects,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo.
“One suspect was critically wounded in the shoot-out and later succumbed to his injuries.
“Police also recovered three unlicensed firearms loaded with magazines and more than 70 rounds of ammunition.”
The suspects were charged with possession of unlicensed firearms, possession of unlicensed ammunition, murder and attempted murder and are expected to appear in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court soon.
This shooting comes hardly a month after two alleged zama zamas were shot dead after what appears to have been a turf war between groups of illegal miners in Cason.
Two other suspected illegal miners were injured during the clash, which culminated in a shoot-out with security officers.
Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube said the previous gun battle erupted in the veld near Xtra Clothing & Shoes in Rietfontein Road, Boksburg North, after a group of about 30 alleged zama zamas clashed with another group.
The battle, however, escalated into another gun war and confrontation with Makopano Risk Solutions and AAA Alarms security officers in Doone and Constable streets, Comet. One suspect was killed and several illegal firearms were recovered during this incident.
Boksburg North police registered a case of murder, attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
The police are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the other suspects, who are still at large, to come forward.
The incidents attracted widespread public outcry and comments on social media, with many people calling for urgent government intervention to deal with illegal mining activity.
Also Read: Alleged illegal miner found murdered in Cason
Also Read: Alleged zama zama killed, 11 others arrested in a shoot-out with police
