Four illegal miners have been arrested on Thursday and will appear in court on Monday to face charges of attempted murder and the unlawful possession of firearms after a shoutout between the suspects and security near Stilfontein.

According to Police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone, The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, 14 July 2022. “This is after a group of approximately 100 illegal miners commonly known as “Zama Zamas” were spotted near shaft No. 4  in Vaal Reefs near Stilfontein. It is alleged that some of the illegal miners fired shots towards the Specialised Services Group (SSG) security officers,” he explained.

“The latter returned fire and one suspect was wounded. A Beretta semi-automatic shotgun and 18 ammunition were found next to him,” he added.

Following the incident, the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Illicit Mining Task Team and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) were mobilised. Three more suspects were arrested and two firearms and ammunition were confiscated as a result of the operation.

“The wounded suspect was admitted to hospital where he is under police guard while the rest of the “Zama Zamas” fled on foot, DPCI continues to investigate the matter,” Mokgwabone said.

The suspects are expected to appear in the Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court on Monday to face three charges of attempted murder, three counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, and one charge of malicious damage to property.

The suspects are also facing additional charges of contravention of Section 49 (1)(a) & (b) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002).