Ekurhuleni — Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers arrested seven illegal miners (zama zamas) during a multidisciplinary operation that took place in Primrose on Tuesday morning.
Reports suggested that three of the suspects were shot and injured by members of the EMPD, who were working alongside the South African Police Services (SAPS). EMPD’s illegal mining task team gathered information near the Simmer and Jack landfill site where they were shot at by suspected zama zamas, EWN reported.
“Unfortunately, when they were gathering today [Tuesday], they were engaged by these suspects who shot at them, they had to respond to that. When they were responding fortunately, they were able to get and restrain some of them. We have recovered four firearms, two shotguns and two side pistols and seven suspects.” EMPD’s Julius Mkhwanazi said.
7 ILLEGAL MINERS NABBED BY THE EMPD ILLEGAL MINING UNIT – IN THE PRIMROSE AREA
EMPD statement:
On Tuesday 09 April 2024 at 09:30, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Rapid Tactical Response Unit Officers, in conjunction with the South African Police Service… pic.twitter.com/mcGQsLDx9X
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) April 9, 2024
EMPD spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa said Rapid Tactical Response Unit Officers, in conjunction with the South African Police Service (Saps) Illegal Mining Unit, had conducted an operation when they discovered illegal miners. The suspects, aged between 27 and 33 years-old, were rushed to hospital for medical attention, The Citizen reported.
Thepa added the law enforcement officials recovered a number of weapons.
“Among the weapons recovered were a brown double-barrel shotgun with intact serial numbers, a black 12-gauge shotgun with intact serial numbers, a silver 9mm Luger with intact serial numbers, a silver special 38- 9mm revolver with intact serial numbers, and a black Taurus 9mm handgun with defaced serial numbers, as well as an undisclosed number of live ammunition.” he said.
The seven suspects were arrested and taken to the Germiston police station where they face charges of possession of illegal firearms, live ammunition, and attempted murder. They are expected to appear at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court soon, Thepa added.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
