Shootout between police and suspected illegal miners in Boksburg, 5 arrested
Five suspected illegal miners have been arrested following a shootout with police in Boksburg, on the East Rand, on Friday morning.
Two of the suspects were wounded during the exchange of fire.
According to police, the incident occurred when a multi-disciplinary team comprising Crime Intelligence, Ekurhuleni Trio Task Team, Ekurhuleni Tactical Response Team, Gauteng Traffic, EMPD, Emergency Medical Service, and private security companies followed up on information about alleged illegal miners who were armed with unlicensed guns in the early hours of the morning.
The police’s Dimakatso Sello says officers were forced to retaliate when the suspects started firing shots at them.
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“Five suspects were arrested including two who were wounded during the shootout. The police further seized ammunition of R5 and hunting rifles and one short gun which is positively linked to a house robbery case in Klerksdorp.”
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms.
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