Johannesburg – One illegal miner has been arrested for attempted murder in Riverlea following a shootout with members of the National Intervention Unit.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili said specialised units deployed in Riverlea came under fire from illegal miners – better known as Zama Zamas – during patrols on Monday, (14 August 2023), at about 17:00.
“National Intervention Unit members were patrolling Main Reef Road in Langlaagte when they came across six men entering George Harrison Park, a well-known site for illegal mining, with food parcels,” said Brigadier Muridili.
“The members followed and when the men approached an open cast mine they ran into the hole.
“Shots were fired towards the members from that hole and they retaliated.”
Brigadier Muridili said one illegal miner was arrested while the others managed to get away.
“The members as well as the suspects were not injured during the shootout,” said Brigadier Muridili.
“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate has been notified of the shooting.”
The National Specialised Units deployments have since the 2nd of August 2023 resulted in the arrest of more than 200 people in Lanlaagte, 187 of those are undocumented immigrants involved in illegal mining activities.
The police have seized illegal mining equipment, explosives as well as eight firearms and ammunition.
Brigadier Muridili said the operations will continue until the area has been stabilised.
