Seven illegal miners nabbed by the EMPD Illegal Mining Unit in Primrose

The Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Rapid Tactical Response Unit Officers, in conjunction with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Illegal Mining Unit, conducted an illegal mining operation in the Primrose area.

The law enforcers proceeded to a scrapyard on the corner of Main Reef and Johann Rissik Roads, and upon their arrival, the suspects noticed the Officers and opened fire towards the officers. During the shootout, the highly skilled Officers shot six suspects, disarming them of their weapons and arrested one other male suspect who attempted to flee the scene. The suspects, who are between the ages of 27 and 33 years, were transported to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

Among the weapons recovered were a brown double-barrel shotgun with intact serial numbers, a black 12-gauge shotgun with intact serial numbers, a silver 9mm Luger with intact serial numbers, a silver special 38- 9mm revolver with intact serial numbers, and a black Taurus 9mm handgun with defaced serial numbers, as well as an undisclosed number of live ammunition.

All seven suspects have been arrested and marched to Germiston police station, facing charges of possession of illegal firearms, live ammunition, and attempted murder. They are expected to appear at the Germiston Magistrate’s Court soon.