Three zama zamas died after a shoot-out with police officers in Sabie in Mpumalanga on Thursday.

One of the officers is receiving medical treatment after being shot in the leg, Mpumalanga News reported.

A case of attempted murder is being investigated, which will be led by Ipid.

According to a provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Donald Mdhluli, a team consisting of some SAPS members and other law enforcement agencies were conducting routine patrols in the area of the new village mining shaft when they were reportedly attacked by some illegal miners.

“The report indicates that the miners fired shots at the police from various directions, resulting in the injury of one police officer from the K9 Unit. In response, the law enforcement officers fired back and the three zama zamas were fatally shot,” Mdhluli said.

“Two AK-47 rifles and about 500 rounds of ammunition were recovered at the crime scene. The injured officer was taken to hospital for medical treatment.”