Police crime intelligence section (CIS) arrested one illegal miner for illegal mining, attempted murder and the possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition following a shoot-out between police and a group of illegal miners in Benoni on March 18.
The CIS members received a tip-off about illegal mining activities conducted by an armed man.
Police requested back-up from EMPD and the intelligence-driven disruptive operation was conducted jointly.
Katlehong SAPS media liaison officer Capt Mega Ndobe said the illegal miners started shooting at officers as they approached the area. Police retaliated and one of the suspects was shot in the lower body and was arrested.
“The suspect was taken to a local hospital for treatment under police guard. Police are searching for the other suspects who ran away,” said Ndobe.
A pistol was seized and taken to ballistics for investigation.
The suspect is expected to appear in the Benoni Magistrate’s Court soon.
Ekurhuleni district commander Maj Gen Vincent Leshabane applauded the officers.
