Illegal miner dies after security shooting at East Driefontein gold plant
Security officers investigating suspected illegal mining activity came under attack by a group of zama-zamas, leading to a shooting that left one alleged illegal miner fatally wounded.
An illegal miner died at East Driefontein after being shot by security officers this week.
The incident took place at about 21:44 on June 5.
Security officers were sent to the gold plant at Shaft 2 to investigate after a group of zama-zamas was spotted inside the plant on the camera system.
When they arrived at the site, the security officers were forced to leave their vehicle and walk further.
The security officers were separated from their colleagues during the walk.
The officer walking at the back was suddenly attacked by zama-zamas. They threw large stones at him and started running towards him.
He called for help, and one of his colleagues saw that he was being attacked.
The colleague fired shots to scare off the attackers, and the injured guard was taken to Fountain Private Hospital.
They were later called about an injured zama-zama lying at the circle next to the road.
He had been shot in the left thigh and was able to speak to the guards.
He confirmed that he had been part of the group that attacked the guards, but returned for help after realising that he had been shot.
The guards called an ambulance, but the injured man passed away before they could arrive.
