By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Two alleged illegal miners sustained fatal wounds in a shoot-out involving the police in Roodepoort during the early hours of Tuesday morning. The police are currently investigating counts of murder, attempted murder as well as possession of illegal firearms.

The Roodepoort police were assisted by the West Rand K9 unit and the BAS Security as they responded to reports of shooting in an open field in the West Rand of Johannesburg. “On arrival, the members approached the area to investigate.

The suspects allegedly opened fire on the police, resulting in a shoot-out. During the exchange of shots, two suspected illegal miners were fatally wounded” said police spokesperson Tintswalo Sibeko.

No officers or security were harmed during the altercation as they uncovered three unlicensed firearms, including an AK-47 rifle accompanied by 126 rounds of ammunition. Sibeko had stated that since the beginning of July the Gauteng have uncovered 388 unlicensed firearms as well as 6,650 rounds of ammunition.

 “These firearms were recovered during crime prevention operations, stop-and-searches, patrols, vehicle check points, operation Shanela and Operation Prosper” said Sibeko.

 Sibeko also emphasised that the police remain committed to intensifying the operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining activities as well as removing illegal firearms from surrounding communities.

Investigations into the shooting are currently ongoing.