The operation, led by Brigadier Petrus van Staden, was conducted between 4am and 2pm and resulted in the arrest of eight suspects.
Wilfred Kgasago, EMPD spokesman, says they also confiscated illegal mining equipment.
He says illegal immigrants have infiltrated Everest, Slovo Park and Gugulethu informal settlements as well as Bakerton and Welgedacht.
Prevalence of illegal mining activities as well as other crimes prompted the EMPD to swoop on these areas.
According to Kgasago the suspects allegedly used high-calibre firearms and hand guns.
“The officers retaliated and led to the arrests,” says Kgasago.
Initially 16 suspects were arrested, but eight were released when the sifting process to identify those responsible took place.
All of the released suspects were under the age of 18 years.
“Fortunately, none of the officers were harmed in the shoot-out and there was no evidence of any of the perpetrators hurt,” says Kgasago.
No firearms were recovered.
The suspects, aged between 22 to 27 years, were charged at the Springs Police Station.
They are expected to appear in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
