The police’s National Intervention Unit (NIU) has taken down a wanted and dangerous underground illegal mining kingpin during an intelligence-driven tracing operation in the Carletonville area on August 30.

According to the SAPS, the operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts by the service to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and disrupt violent criminal activities associated with illegal mining in the area. Members of the NIU tracked the wanted suspect to a house in Skoonplaas at Blyvoor where he was believed to be staying. Upon their arrival at about 06:20, officers identified themselves.

The suspect responded by pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at the police. Police returned fire in self-defence, leaving the suspect with fatal injuries. An AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were seized at the scene.

The deceased was known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area.

He was allegedly involved in the distribution of firearms and ammunition in the area and might also have been involved in shootings around Wedela, Sibanye-Stillwater’s gold mines, Bekkersdal, and also in the Carletonville area.

According to information, the man is believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area.

The SAPS continues to intensify operations to dismantle illegal mining networks, disrupt the activities of criminal syndicates, and restore law and order in communities affected by illegal mining and associated violence.