Crime

Cops arrest another 12 suspected illegal miners, two for murder

Police arrested another 12 suspected illegal miners for murder and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm respectively, this time in Rand West City.

Two suspected illegal miners were arrested for murder while 10 others were arrested for assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (assault GBH) in Bhongweni, Randfontein on Tuesday, August 30.

Also read: ‘Mining companies should take the blame’ – ANC about illegal mining in the West

Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said police were conducting an operation aimed at illegal miners when they were notified of an act of vigilantism in Bhongweni.

“On arrival, police rescued two people who were being assaulted by 10 people suspected to be illegal miners.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the two victims were accused of shooting and killing another illegal miner in the early hours of the morning.

“Police arrested all 12 suspects and charged two with murder and 10 with assault GBH. The 12 suspects will also be processed by officials from the Department of Home Affairs as they are reported to be undocumented immigrants.”

They are expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court in due course.

Also read: Illegal miner related protests spread to Westonaria

Also read: Toekies residents close illegal mine holes

Also read: The fight against illegal mining gets momentum

Also read: Police deploy spesialised units in West Rand to flush out illegal miners

Also read: Bekkersdal joins protests against zama zamas

Clinton Botha

For more than 4 and a half years, Clinton Botha was a journalist at Roodepoort Record. His articles were regularly published in the Northside Chronicle now known as the Roodepoort Northsider. Clinton is also the editor of Randfontein Herald since July 2020. As a sports fanatic he wormed his way into various "beats - as the media would know it - and admits openly that his big love always have something to do with a scoreboard, crowds and usually a ball that hops.

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