Police spokesperson, Sabata Mokgwabone, confrms to OFM News that four suspects were apprehended following the attempted murder  in Stilfontein near Khuma on Thursday.  

This shooting comes hot on the heels of another separate shooting incident in Soweto and Katlehong in Gauteng, and Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal respectively.

The shooting at Klerksdorp caused panic across the town with residents  voicing their frustration about the shooting.  

Mokgwabone says gunwielding men were apprehended on Thursday after a group of approximately 100 illegal miners, also known as Zama-Zamas, fired shots at security forces at mine shaft 4 in the Stilfontein area.

One suspect was apparently wounded during the shooting battle with the security forces at the mine. They will now face charges, including three counts of attempted murder, three of unlawful possession of firearms, damage to property and also the violation of the Immigration Act.

They are expected to appear in court on Monday at the Stilfontein's Magistrate’s Court.

OFM News previously reported that 87 suspected illegal miners were arrested at shaft 2 in Orkney following a shootout with police, and as a result, eight miners were left wounded whilst six died after sustaining fatal wounds.

87 suspects heading to NW court after fatal shootout

Also read: Suspects heading to NW court after fatal shootout

They now finally stand trial this year.

Also read: Suspected illegal miners to stand trial

Mokgwabone adds that one suspect was wounded and has been admitted to hospital for medical attention but is under police guard.

"It is alleged that some of the suspects fired shots towards the specialised forces group, SSG security officers, and they returned fire and one suspect was wounded.

The beretta semi automatic shotgun and 18 spent cartridges were found next to the wounded suspect.

After the incident, members from the Dr Kenneth Kaunda illicit task team and Hawks were mobilised and that is where three more suspects were apprehended, totalling the number of those arrested to four. Two more firearms and ammunition were confiscated," he adds.

Other alleged Zama-Zamas are said to have fled the scene on foot and according to Mokgwabone, the investigations into the matter continues with the Hawks in charge of the matter.

Meanwhile, the provincial police commissioner, Sello Kwena, has thanked all  the members and security officers for their cooperation which led to the arrest and confiscation of the firearms and ammunition. Kwena has also  warned that illicit economic activities will not be tolerated and that those involved, will be dealt with harshly.

OFM News