Eight suspected illegal miners arrested in connection with M1 highway robberies

JOHANNESBURG - Eight suspected illegal miners have been arrested in connection with robberies targeting drivers on the M1 highway.

Panicked Johannesburg motorists were robbed at gunpoint during peak hour traffic on Tuesday at the Crown Interchange in the CBD. 
  
It's understood that the gun-wielding zama zamas were handcuffed after a shootout with Johannesburg Metropolitan Police in Germiston.

The City of Joburg was once again reminded of the scourge and dangers of illegal mining after armed men went from car to car, allegedly robbing motorists of their belongings.

Distressed motorists shared alarming messages while stuck in traffic and at the mercy of the criminals.

"Please send emergency vehicles, people are being terrorised in their cars." 
  
JMPD's Xolani Fihla said the tactical response unit closed in on the suspects near Main Reef Road and Shamrock Street in Primrose, where the shootout happened.

"When the backup from SAPS Primrose, the flying squad and the air wing arrived, the officers entered the open veld area where they found one male lying on the ground with a wound and a rifle next to him. A further seven suspects were apprehended by the officers."

The suspects were charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal mining.