1 suspect killed in shootout with EMPD during crackdown on illegal mining in Germiston
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Ekurhuleni metro police conducted an operation to crack down on illegal mining activities at an informal settlement in the Primrose area.
Picture: Facebook/Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department
JOHANNESBURG - One suspect has died and multiple others have been arrested during an illegal mining operation in Germiston, Gauteng.
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Ekurhuleni metro police conducted an operation to crack down on illegal mining activities at an informal settlement in the Primrose area.
During the operation, a shootout ensued when officers were confronted by a group of alleged zama zamas who opened fire at an officer.
One suspect was declared dead on the scene and another is receiving medical treatment in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds.
Police managed to arrest several others, and are searching for another who managed to flee the scene.
EMPD spokesperson, Ann Makgato: "Another suspect, who was in possession of a rifle, fled the scene, while three were apprehended and detained at Primrose SAPS. The acting chief of police, Mr Mkhwanazi, reiterated that we will not allow a repeat of the Stilfontein case in the city of Ekurhuleni."