Just short of two weeks ago 10 Lesotho nationals were stoned to death following an argument about illegal mining operations. A massive manhunt was launched with investigations leading police back to Matholesville, prepared to apprehend the perpetrators.
The police arrived in Matholesville on Wednesday, 12 February, to what reports suggest was a hostile reception. The illegal miners suspected of stoning and killing their Lesotho rivals immediately opened fire after seeing the police approaching. A shootout ensued, with police shooting two of the suspected illegal miners and arresting a further eight.
Also Read:
https://www.citizen.co.za/roodepoort-record/2014/10/09/shots-fired-as-suspected-illegal-miners-try-to-escape/
Gauteng Provincial Police spokesperson, Captain Kay Makhubela confirmed, “Upon arrival in the area, the zama zamas started shooting at the police and police returned fire”. The police also confiscated two illegal firearms that were sent for ballistic testing. They will look to determine if these weapons were used in other crimes, and profiles will be done on the suspects to determine if they could be linked with any other cases.
Police worked tirelessly to bring justice to the men who were beaten and killed in these senseless murders. Gauteng Provincial Police commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela also commended the work done by the Provincial Organised Crime unit.
Crime may be rife, but police are stretching every resource they have to make the streets a little safer.
