A man was shot and killed in a field behind the factories in Robertville on November 10.
The unknown male is reported to have been involved in a shootout between gangs of illegal miners in the area. The incident occurred at roughly 18:00 on Wednesday evening between Eitemal and Poole Streets. The area and the fields along Nadine Street have seen a large increase in illegal mining activity, prompting fears among residents in these streets.
Florida Police have held regular operations at illegal mining hotspots and together with community role players are recording multiple successes. “As part of the effort to stop illegal mining and the further occurrence of such incidents the Florida Community Policing Forum (FCPF), in conjunction with Florida Police, Public Order Policing and the Department of Mineral Resources closed some of the shaft entrances along Eitemal Avenue,” said FCPF chairman, Prashan Sukhu.
“Thank you to Fidelity/ADT SIU for assisting with security while the work was being done,” added Prashan. Police and the FCPF have stated that operations will continue, and focus will be increased on the mushrooming camps of the illegal miners.
