The group of illegal miners arrested in the veld next to the Angelo informal settlement during a shootout with police on Monday morning, made their first court appearance on Tuesday, January 30.
According to Boksburg SAPS spokesperson, Sgt Cebisa Maseko, the group of 15 Zama Zamas appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court and were remanded in custody.
They are expected to return to court for a formal bail application today.
“All suspects are charged with illegal mining; some of them are also facing additional charges including attempted murder and possession of illegal firearms, live ammunition and explosives,” said Maseko.
Apart from the 15 arrested Zama Zamas, three of their accomplices were killed on Monday during the shoot-out with the EMPD in the open veld near Main Reef Road.
Four rifles, a 9mm pistol and explosives were recovered during the shoot-out.
It is suspected that the weapons confiscated were used by rival gangs to attack each other.
The officers were not injured.
READ ORIGINAL STORY: Three illegal miners dead in Angelo following shootout with police
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