'Prolonged exchange of gunfire': Two illegal miners killed in two-hour gun battle with SAPS
Two AK47 rifles and two pistols seized during an intelligence-driven SAPS operation in Carletonville on Sunday.
Image: SAPS
Two suspected illegal miners were shot and killed during an intelligence-led operation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Carletonville on Sunday.
The operation, led by the National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Public Order Police, was carried out after police received information that illegal miners were in possession of a large cache of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.
According to police, officers arrived at a targeted house at about 4 am, when suspects attempted to flee by jumping out of windows before opening fire on police officers.
“A prolonged exchange of gunfire, estimated to have lasted about two hours, ensued between the suspects and the police,” SAPS national spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said.
Two suspects were declared dead at the scene, while police seized two AK47 rifles, two pistols and ammunition.
Despite the intensity of the confrontation, no police officers were injured.
Mathe said the suspects, identified as Basotho nationals, were regarded as extremely dangerous and posed a serious threat to public safety.
“They showed no hesitation in engaging the police,” she said.
Police are continuing surveillance operations in the area in an effort to track down other suspects who fled into nearby bushes.
Two AK47 rifles and two pistols seized during an intelligence-driven SAPS operation in Carletonville on Sunday.
Image: SAPS
Earlier this month, IOL reported that between 5% and 30% of South Africa’s gold output may be mined and traded illegally, according to estimates from industry and regulatory research.
The range is wide, reflecting the difficulty of quantifying a trade that operates largely outside formal oversight.
Even at the lower end, this represents gold worth billions of rand, bypassing taxes, royalties, and reporting mechanisms.
Illegal mining is concentrated in abandoned or under-regulated shafts, particularly in Gauteng, North West, and Free State provinces.
These operations often rely on artisanal and small-scale miners, some working informally or illegally, while others are employed by organised syndicates.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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