On Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 09:30, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) Rapid Tactical Response Unit, in collaboration with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Illegal Mining Unit, carried out an illegal mining operation in the Primrose area. The operation resulted in the arrest of seven individuals involved in illegal mining activities.
Upon arriving at a scrapyard located at the corner of Main Reef and Johann Rissik roads, the law enforcement officers were noticed by the suspects, who immediately opened fire.
In response, the highly skilled officers engaged in a shootout, successfully incapacitating six of the suspects and apprehending one male suspect who attempted to flee the scene.
The suspects, aged between 27 and 33 years, were promptly transported to the nearest hospital for medical attention. In addition to the arrests, a significant number of weapons were confiscated during the operation.
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These included a brown double-barrel shotgun, a black 12-gauge shotgun, a silver 9mm Luger, a silver special 38-9mm revolver, and a black Taurus 9mm handgun. Additionally, an undisclosed quantity of live ammunition was seized.
All seven suspects have been taken into custody and escorted to the Germiston Police Station. They will be facing charges related to the possession of illegal firearms, possession of live ammunition, and attempted murder.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrate’s Court in the near future.
