Five suspected zama zamas have been arrested in Boksburg, on Gauteng's East Rand, after a shoot-out with police on Friday.
The arrests come after a raid on an illegal mining operation.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Sello, a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation took place in the early hours.
“Upon approaching the place in Main Reef Road in Boksburg, the alleged miners started firing shots at the police, causing the members to retaliate.
“Five suspects were arrested, including two who were wounded during the shoot-out.”
Sello said police seized R5 and hunting rifles' ammunition, while a shotgun positively linked to a house robbery in Klerksdorp was also confiscated.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms.
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Five 'zama zamas' arrested after shoot-out with police
Five suspected zama zamas have been arrested in Boksburg, on Gauteng's East Rand, after a shoot-out with police on Friday.
The arrests come after a raid on an illegal mining operation.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Sello, a multidisciplinary intelligence-driven operation took place in the early hours.
“Upon approaching the place in Main Reef Road in Boksburg, the alleged miners started firing shots at the police, causing the members to retaliate.
“Five suspects were arrested, including two who were wounded during the shoot-out.”
Sello said police seized R5 and hunting rifles' ammunition, while a shotgun positively linked to a house robbery in Klerksdorp was also confiscated.
The suspects are expected to appear in court soon on charges of possession of unlicensed firearms.
TimesLIVE
Support independent journalism by subscribing to the Sunday Times. Just R20 for the first month.
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