Three alleged illegal miners were killed in a shootout with police in Sabie, Mpumalanga, after they reportedly attacked law enforcement officials conducting routine patrols around a mining shaft in the area. During the incident, a police officer was shot in the leg.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Donald Mdhluli confirmed that two AK-47 rifles and approximately 500 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were recovered from the scene. A case has been opened, and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate IPID is conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shootout.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu is set to visit Stilfontein in the North West province on Friday for the second time this month. He will be accompanied by his Deputy Polly Boshielo. This visit comes amid increasing numbers of illegal miners emerging from underground shafts, a continuing challenge in the area.
