The accused are facing charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of gold, theft, and conspiracy to commit an offence. Further investigations are underway to source more evidence. 

NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, said in a release the police reports indicate that eight of the accused were wounded and six others died during a shootout with members of the Special Task Force, assisted by the Hawks in North West, in an intelligence-driven operation last Wednesday.

From the eight who were injured during the shootout, six have been released from hospital and two are still under police guard receiving medical attention. The court proceeded in their absence.

Police reports revealed that from this operation, a number of items were discovered, including two minibuses, Illegal mining paraphernalia, gold bearing material, eleven Illegal firearms (3 x shotguns, 3 x rifles, 4 x pistols, and 1 x revolver), and bags of food.

The suspects will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.

Release