Illegal miner shot and arrested in Sabie
Two of the suspects are still at large and police are looking for them.
A 30-year-old illegal miner was shot and arrested during a Vala Umgodi Operation in Simile Township, Nkanini Section, Sabie at around 16:30 on Wednesday, June 11.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, members of the Combat Team based in Sabie received a tip-off from a reliable source about a group of foreign nationals who were allegedly refining gold illegally and selling mercury at a specific address in the area.
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Police operationalised the information and proceeded to the location. Upon arrival, they encountered three suspects who immediately opened fire and fled the scene. The officers returned fire, shooting one of the suspects in the right thigh. He was subsequently arrested, while the other two suspects managed to escape,” she said.
Ndubane also said the suspect, believed to be a Mozambican national, is facing charges of possession of gold bearing material, possession of illicit mining equipment, attempted murder, and contravening the Immigration Act.
The suspect was initially admitted to Sabie Hospital under police guard, but has since been discharged and placed in police custody.
Fortunately, no police members were injured during the exchange of gunfire.
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