Zama-zamas killed in early-morning shootout with SAPS at Blyvooruitzicht on Sunday February 8
A shootout between police and suspected zama-zamas erupted at Blyvooruitzicht near Carletonville in the early hours of Sunday morning, February 8.
A shootout erupted between police and suspected zama-zamas at Blyvooruitzicht in the early hours of Sunday morning, 8 February, while most residents of the Carletonville area were still asleep.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the National Intervention Unit from Pretoria acted on intelligence regarding heavily armed illegal miners operating in the Blyvooruitzicht area.
Police arrived at the scene at around 04:00, prompting the suspects to flee while allegedly blowing whistles to alert others in the area. A shootout then ensued between the police and the illegal miners.
Two suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange, while four others were arrested. Police recovered one AK-47 rifle, two 9mm pistols and ammunition at the scene. A state-owned vehicle was also damaged during the incident.
No police officers were injured. Investigations are ongoing.
