Security officers at a mine in the Bethal area apprehended three men following a shoot-out on February 23.

The three,  aged between 24 and 29, were arrested and charged for tampering with infrastructure of the mine and causing damage of about R1.2m.

According to the police, six armed men broke the lock of the underground gate of the mine to force their way in, damaging the mine shaft in the process.

It was during this time when the security personnel went to the shaft to investigate. As they entered the shaft, the culprits reportedly opened fire. The security officers returned fire and one of the suspects was killed in the crossfire.

The security officers cornered three of the gunmen, one of whom sustained a gunshot wound to his leg.

When the police arrived on the scene, they arrested and charged the suspects.

One of the three is a Lesotho national.

The police cannot rule out the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues.

The circumstances surrounding this incident is still under investigation.

The trio is expected to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi has ordered a thorough investigation of this incident.