Three illegal miners, also known as zama zamas, were killed during a shootout with the EMPD in an open veld near Main Reef Road, in Angelo informal settlement, this morning (January 29).
Four rifles and a 9mm pistol were recovered during the shootout.
The Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Sgt Cebisa Masekohas confirmed the fatalities.
According to Maseko, police were following up on information about armed men in the area. EMPD Swat and the EMPD Tracing Unit rushed to the area and found the suspects, who then allegedly opened fire.
Officers reportedly retaliated by returning fire. Two of the illegal miners suffered gunshot wounds. It is not yet clear how the third suspect died, as he suffered no visible injuries.
Maseko said 14 other illegal miners were arrested.
Some of the recovered weapons are linked to separate cases pertaining to Vanderbijlpark and Randfontein, said Masekohas. -@MthuphaFanie
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