KEY POINTS
- Security guards engaged in a shootout with armed intruders at a Mpumalanga mine.
- Three suspects were arrested, and one was fatally shot during the clash.
- Police continue to investigate illegal mining activities in the region.
A dramatic shootout unfolded at a mine in Bethal, Mpumalanga, on Sunday when six armed men allegedly forced their way into an underground mining shaft, causing damages estimated at R1.2 million ($65,352).
The suspects reportedly broke through a locked gate before engaging in a gunfight with security personnel.
Provincial police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said the mine’s security team responded swiftly after discovering the breach.
“Upon entering the shaft, the guards were reportedly welcomed by a hail of bullets from the suspects. Security officers returned fire, resulting in one suspect being fatally shot,” Ndubane said.
During the confrontation, the guards managed to detain three of the suspects.
One of the attackers was shot in the leg, while the remaining two surrendered. Authorities were immediately called to the scene, leading to the suspects’ arrest.
Police investigation continues
Ndubane confirmed that one of the arrested individuals is a Lesotho national.
Investigators are now working with the Department of Home Affairs to verify his immigration status and determine if additional charges will be brought against the group.
“The investigation is ongoing, and police are not ruling out further arrests or additional charges against the suspects,” Ndubane added.
Authorities are still piecing together the full details of the burglary, and more information is expected to emerge as the inquiry progresses.
According to IOL, the three suspects are scheduled to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.
Illegal mining crackdown in Mpumalanga
Illegal mining remains a significant problem in South Africa, as police departments intensify their efforts to control illegal trade activities.
A 40-year-old religious leader from Barberton, Mpumalanga was detained after investigation revealed he had gold-bearing materials in his possession.
The pastor traveled with an additional suspect before police stopped their vehicle during surveillance activities.
Assessment of the recovered materials showed 60 grams of gold-bearing substances worth R60,000 ($3,267) together with R9,200 ($501) cash.
“The vehicle and the confiscated items have been taken in for further investigation,” Ndubane said.
Authorities believe that this incident is related to broader illegal mining network spanning across the provincial region.
