An investigation has been launched following a deadly exchange of gunfire between suspected illegal miners and law enforcement officers in Sabie near the New Village mining shaft in Mpumalanga on Thursday, November 28.
The confrontation occurred during a routine patrol when the miners reportedly ambushed police, opening fire from multiple directions.
A Warrant Officer from the K9 Unit was struck in the leg during the attack and has since been hospitalised, said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli.
“In response, the law enforcement officers fired back and it was during this period when three alleged miners were fatally shot.
“Two AK-47 rifles as well as approximately 500 rounds of ammunition for AK-47 rifles were recovered at the crime scene. The injured member was taken to hospital for medical treatment,“ said Mdhluli.
A case of attempted murder has been opened, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) is overseeing an inquiry into the events leading up to the shoot-out.
Mpumalanga's acting police commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, expressed concern over the escalation of violence linked to illegal mining.
“From what has been collected at the crime scene, one can clearly see that we are dealing with a serious situation whereby alleged illegal miners mean business are heavily armed. It is crucial that our members remain watchful at all times,” said Mkhwanazi.
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