Two alleged ‘zama zamas’ (illegal miners) were shot dead and two others were injured after a clash between two groups of zama zamas, which culminated to a shoot-out with security officers in Boksburg.

According to Boksburg North SAPS spokesperson Const Justice Ramaube, the gun battle erupted on January 21 in the bushes near Xtra Clothing & Shoes on Rietfontein Road, Boksburg North. This was after a group of about 30 alleged zama zamas clashed with another group of alleged illegal miners in the area.

Eye witnesses told the police that they noticed the group of about 30 men, others carrying firearms, chasing off the other group which was apparently trying to enter its territory.

“The gunmen in pursuit fired shots at the men who were being chased out of the area – and the bullets hit three of the men as they were running away along First Street. One of them died almost instant. The other injured men were rushed to hospital for treatment.

“One suspect who was in possession of an unlicensed firearm was thereupon arrested,” explained Ramaube.

The battle, however, escalated into another gun war and confrontation with Makopano Risk Solutions and AAA Alarms security officers, in Doone and Constable streets in Comet.

“A shoot-out between the suspects and security guards ensued in Comet, where officers gunned down one suspect. His accomplices subsequently dropped down their three unlicensed firearms.

“One of the suspects picked up a pistol and tried to escape before he was arrested at a nearby sports ground where he was hiding,” said Ramaube.

Boksburg North police have registered a case of murder, attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

The police are appealing to anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the other suspects, who are still at large, to come forward.

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