An operation to curb illegal mining has ended in a shootout between zama zamas (illegal miners) and the authorities in Riverlea, Johannesburg.

On Saturday, the MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mgcini Tshwaku along with the JMPD’s Specialised Unit paid a visit to the Riverlea community and surroundings after community members expressed their concern about shootings by illegal miners, which is a regular occurrence in this area.

Tshwaku said he received a tip-off during the operation about a non-operational mine near Stormhill being utilised for illegal mining. The zama zamas opened fire when the MMC and JMPD were raiding the mine. JMPD and the illegal miners engaged in a shootout, which resulted in the death of one of the miners.

Further, five rifles, one shotgun, one 9mm gun, ammunition, and explosives were recovered from the scene, along with illegal mining equipment such as generators, gas cylinders and phendukas.

Tshwaku stated, “We are not going to tolerate lawlessness here, we will fight fire with fire. Through JMPD intelligence, we have managed to bust this illegal operation successfully, we will come back and follow the tunnel and look for these zama zamas that fled the scene.”

He continued to say JMPD was joined by the SAPS’ National Intervention Unit.

Tshwaku said these operations will continue in communities affected by these issues until residents are no longer affected.