Police have launched a manhunt and mobilised maximum resources to trace three suspects following a shoot-out during which two people were killed and six others wounded in Florida yesterday, 18 June.
The incident happened in the open veld next to an old mine on the corner of Nadine and Eitemal Streets at approximately 7.30pm.According to Provincial Police spokesperson, Captain Kay Makubela, the three armed men who wore balaclavas, were waiting in the open veld.
“A group of eight Bashoto nationals who were walking from the taxi rank to the old mine shaft, came across three other Bashoto nationals who robbed them of their cash and cellphones at gunpoint. The three then shot all eight zama zamas. Two died and the six wounded victims were later taken to hospital.”
He urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or perhaps has information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects, to report it to the Florida Police Station or call the Crime Stop number 08600 10111.
Anonymous tip-offs can also be done on the my SAPS app that can be downloaded from any smartphone.
The Gauteng Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, has condemned the violence and vowed to intensify deployment in the hot spots.
“Investigators must also work around the clock to ensure that the suspects are found and arrested,” he said.
The Ward 70 councillor, Caleb Finn said that the motive for the shooting was unclear, but it was alleged that it is related to illegal mining activities along that specific mining belt.
He confirmed that Florida Police were at the scene and that investigations were under way.
He said, “I wish to express my appreciation to the Emergency Medical Personnel, officers from both the Police and Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), security officers, and the community responders and volunteers who responded to the incident.
This incident is exceptionally concerning and sadly highlights the issue of illegal mining which has progressively grown worse.
While Florida Police and other law-enforcement agencies have conducted several operations, the problem is completely out of control and requires urgent intervention.”
Finn continued by saying, “I call upon the MEC of Community Safety, Faith Mazibuko, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mawela as well as the Minister of Mineral Resources, Gwede Mantashe, to ensure that the issue of illegal mining receives urgent attention across the mining belt that runs through the ward”.
He concluded, “For too long the community has lived in fear of the illegal mining operations.
Very many lives have been lost and it would seem that even more will be lost unless something is done urgently by the relevant authorities”.
