The police in Lulekani outside Phalaborwa have arrested two suspected illegal miners while the third suspect was fatally wounded during a shootout with police yesterday on Thursday, 19 January 2023 at approximately 11:30.
The Police were busy conducting illegal mining operation in the area when they noticed a group of suspects, illegally mining gold-bearing soil on a farm near Selwane village. They tactically approached the suspects but one of them allegedly opened fire on police officers who retaliated, fatally wounding him.
Police managed to arrest two suspects and recover in the process, one firearm allegedly belonging to the deceased (41).
The Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe once more warns community members to desist from engaging in illegal mining activities as police will not hesitate to deal with those who continue to ignore this call while attacking police officers.
The two arrested suspects aged 23 and 43 were charged with illegal mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. They will appear in the Lulekani Magistrate’s Court soon. Meanwhile, the deceased suspect was charged with illegal mining, attempted murder, contravention of the Immigration Act and possession of illegal firearm and ammunition.
Police investigations continue.
