A 45-year-old suspected illegal miner sustained some injuries after being shot by the police during his arrest.

According to a statement by the SAPS, the suspect reportedly pointed a firearm at members of the police and attempted to pull the trigger after he had been cornered while engaged in illegal mining. The incident occurred at Boilhill, Mjindini Trust in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Friday at around 13:00.

According to information, the National Intervention Unit members are on a mission to prevent and battle illegal mining and other related crimes in the area. They are said to have caught two suspects allegedly involved in illegal mining. Upon the members’ arrival, and as they drew nearer, one of them managed to flee.

“The SAPS members were trying to effect an arrest when the suspect reportedly took out a firearm and cocked it, but they acted swiftly and that was the time when he was shot and injured,” read the statement.

“He was disarmed and taken to hospital for medical treatment under police guard. During a preliminary investigation, members discovered that the confiscated firearm is an airgun.”

The suspect is facing charges including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, pointing with a firearm and illegal mining. More charges could possibly be added against him.

The police are searching for the other suspect.