Carletonville mining kingpin killed in police shootout
A deadly turf war between rival zama zama groups in a small Gauteng mining town has put renewed focus on the criminal networks controlling illegal mining operations in the area.
Police have shot dead a suspected illegal mining kingpin during an intelligence-driven operation in Carletonville yesterday (August 30).
The SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) was tracking the suspect as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and curb the violence linked to illegal mining in the area, reports Carltonville Herald.
NIU members went to a residence where the suspect was believed to be staying. After police announced their presence and identified themselves, the suspect allegedly pointed an AK-47 at them.
Officers responded with gunfire, fatally wounding the suspect.
An AK-47 assault rifle and 125 rounds of ammunition were seized at the scene.
According to the SAPS, the man was a known and dangerous illegal mining kingpin who allegedly played a central role in the conflict between two rival illegal mining groups operating in Carletonville.
The SAPS said it would continue with operations targeting illegal mining networks and criminal syndicates linked to violence in communities affected by zama zama activity.
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Read original story on www.citizen.co.za
