Police in Gauteng are investigating two counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition following a shootout with suspected illegal miners in Roodepoort during the early hours of July 28.
Members of SAPS Roodepoort, assisted by the West Rand K9 Unit and BAS Security, responded to reports of a shooting in an open field in Roodepoort. Upon arrival, the members approached the area to investigate.
The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, resulting in a shootout. During the exchange of shots, two suspected illegal miners were fatally wounded. No police officers or security personnel were injured during the incident.
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Police recovered three unlicensed firearms, an AK-47 rifle, a .22 calibre rifle, and a 9mm Uzi, as well as 126 rounds of ammunition of various calibres.
Since the beginning of July, police in Gauteng have recovered 388 unlicensed firearms and 6,650 rounds of ammunition.
The recovered firearms include 9mm pistols, revolvers, AK-47 rifles, and shotguns.
These firearms were recovered during crime prevention operations, stop-and-search, patrols,vehicle checkpoints, Operation Shanela, and Operation Prosper.
Police remain committed to intensifying operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining activities and removing illegal firearms from communities.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
