Two armed suspects believed to be linked to illegal mining activities were fatally shot during a shootout with police in the Roodepoort CBD in the early hours of July 28.

According to West Rand Flying Squad spokesperson Karen du Plessis, officers were conducting routine crime prevention patrols at about 05:00 when they received an urgent request for assistance after police officers and a private security company reportedly came under heavy gunfire from suspected illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas.

“Specialised police members responded immediately and joined officers already on the scene,” she said.

“As police moved tactically into an open veld where the gunfire was believed to be originating, they came under fire from an armed suspect.

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“Police returned fire in response to the immediate threat, fatally wounding the suspect. At the same time, another armed suspect was fatally wounded during a separate exchange of gunfire with other police members operating nearby.

“The area was secured once additional police resources arrived, and the scene was cordoned off for investigation.”

Du Plessis said police recovered several firearms at the scene, including a Uzi submachine gun, an AK-47 assault rifle and a .303 rifle.

“The number of rounds of ammunition recovered will be confirmed once forensic processing has been completed.

“No police officers were injured during the incident.

“The Independent Police Investigative Directorate, together with the Local Criminal Record Centre, attended the scene as part of the standard investigation that follows all police shooting incidents.

“Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, as well as the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal mining activities, are ongoing,” she concluded.