Police officer airlifted after Barberton shoot-out with suspected illegal miners

A police officer was airlifted to a hospital after being shot during a shoot-out with suspected illegal miners in Barberton. The incident occurred on Wednesday, August 12, and one suspect was taken in for questioning. According to the Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, the officer was shot when officers deployed under Operation Vala Umgodi were conducting operations aimed at combating illegal mining activities in the area and encountered a group of armed, suspected illegal miners. Gunmen open fire as vehicle arrives "Upon approaching the suspects, the members observed a Toyota Avanza that arrived at the scene. It is alleged that shots were fired from the direction of the illegal miners. The police members took cover and returned fire. "During the exchange, one officer sustained injuries and was airlifted to hospital for medical treatment," said Mdhluli. He added that the driver of the Toyota Avanza, a 36-year-old man, was taken in for questioning as part of the ongoing police investigation. Police step up operations in Barberton Police have since intensified visibility and operations in and around Barberton to deal decisively with illegal mining activities, which remain a serious concern linked to the proliferation of firearms and other crime. The SAPS appeals to members of the public to work collaboratively with police and to report any suspicious activities in their communities. Information can be reported to the nearest police station or anonymously via the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111 or via the MySAPS app. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.