By Everson Luhanga
A shootout between Ekurhuleni metro police officers and zama zamas resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, six of whom were wounded and transported to different medical facilities on Tuesday.
Ekurhuleni metro police department (EMPD) spokesperson Kelebogile Thepa said the officers were met with gunfire when they arrived where the illegal miners were working.
The officers returned fire and wounded some of the miners who were then arrested.
“EMPD rapid tactical response unit officers, in conjunction with SAPS’s illegal mining unit, conducted an operation in the Primrose, Germiston area, against illegal mining operations.
“The law enforcers proceeded to a scrapyard on the corner of Main Reef and Johann Rissik roads. When they got there the suspects saw the officers and opened fire,” said Thepa.
She said the officers wounded six of the suspects, disarming them of their weapons and arrested one man who attempted to flee the scene.
“The suspects, who are between the ages of 27 and 33 years, were transported to the nearest hospital for medical attention,” said Thepa.
She said among the weapons recovered were a double-barrel shotgun, a 12-gauge shotgun, a silver 9mm Luger and a .38 Special all with intact serial numbers, and a black Taurus 9mm handgun with defaced serial numbers, as well as an undisclosed quantity of live ammunition.
All seven suspects are facing charges of possession of illegal firearms, live ammunition, and attempted murder.
They are expected to appear at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court soon.
Pictured above: Some of the arrested zama zamas in Primrose near Germiston, Ekurhuleni.
Image source: Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD)
