Eight alleged illegal miners were arrested, one with serious injuries, following an exchange of gunfire with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) Tactical Response Unit.

The shoot-out occurred at the intersection of Main Reef Road and Shamrock Street in Primrose, Germiston, yesterday.

The group of men might be linked to the robbery of motorists at the M1 Crown Interchange in Johannesburg yesterday morning.

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says their response unit followed up on a complaint of armed illegal miners at the intersection.

“As the officers arrived at the location, they saw two groups of men shooting at each other. When the suspects noticed the officers, they started shooting at them and the officers returned fire. Amid the shoot-out, backup was called.”

Fihla says Primrose police, the flying squad and the airwing raced to the scene. One man was found wounded in a veld, with a rifle next to him. Another seven suspects were apprehended.

“The injured suspect was attended to and taken to Germiston Hospital for treatment, under police guard. The arrested suspects were detained at Primrose Police Station and charged with attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearms and illegal mining.”

JMPD Acting Chief of Police Angie Mokasi commended the valiant efforts shown by the officers in tackling the scourge of illegal mining and ensuring the safety of residents.

Eight male suspects were arrested with one of them sustaining serious injuries following an exchange of gunfire with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers from the Tactical Response Unit at Main Reef Road and Shamrock Street, Primrose, Germiston.… pic.twitter.com/G9FoJC1D5A

— City of Joburg (@CityofJoburgZA) February 21, 2024

#JMPD Tactical Response Unit monitoring illegal mining hotspots near the N1 with continuous patrols along the Freeway. #FightingCrimeManjeNamhlanje #SaferJoburg pic.twitter.com/q1ySitxF97

— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) February 21, 2024

#JMPD & #SAPS deployment monitoring the M1 & M2 Freeway. Other major routes throughout the city are covered as well. Using state-of-the-art technology to prevent & combat crime in the City of Joburg. #FightingCrimeManjeNamhlanje #SaferJoburg pic.twitter.com/4baJFjoEfS

— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) February 21, 2024

Media Statement:

ILLEGAL MINING SUSPECTS ARRESTED BY JMPD TACTICAL RESPONSE UNIT IN PRIMROSE, GERMISTON #FightingCrimeManjeNamhlanje #SaferJoburg pic.twitter.com/w31LgGifFw

— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) February 20, 2024