Cops attacked by illegal miners in Robinpark
While police arrested a suspect at the mine dumps in Robinpark, a group of illegal miners attacked.
The Randfontein Police were attacked by a group of illegal miners as they attempted to arrest a suspect with an unlicensed firearm.
National police spokesperson Brigadier Brenda Muridili confirmed the incident occurred on March 24 when members of the Public Order Policing (POP) Unit were busy executing an operation at the mine dumps in Robinpark.
“While busy with the operation, the police arrested a suspect in possession of an unlicensed firearm. After arresting the suspect, the police were surrounded by a group of between 20 to 30 illegal miners,” said Muridili.
She added the illegal miners continued to throw stones at the police before shooting at them. The police believe that this was an attempt to free the arrested suspect. Muridili continued that a state vehicle was indeed hit by a bullet.
“After backup arrived, police managed to disperse the crowd of illegal miners. The suspect was, however, successfully detained and the firearm seized,” Muridili confirmed.
Furthermore, a case of attempted murder as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm is currently under investigation.
