‘Dangerous’ illegal mining kingpin shot dead by police in Carletonville
A wanted illegal mining kingpin was shot dead by police in Carletonville on Sunday after allegedly pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at officers during a tracing operation.
Gauteng police fatally shot a wanted suspect on Sunday, August 30, who was allegedly a key figure in illegal underground mining operations in Carletonville, Gauteng. The suspect was killed during an intelligence-driven tracing operation by members of the National Intervention Unit (NIU). Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, a national police spokesperson, revealed that the operation aimed to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and address violent criminal activities linked to mining in the Carletonville area.
Upon the police announcing their presence and identifying themselves, the suspect pointed an AK-47 assault rifle at the officers, forcing them to use force, resulting in the suspect's death. The police seized an AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of ammunition from the scene. Mathe stated that the deceased was well-known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins active in the Carletonville area, playing a central role in the conflict between rival illegal mining groups.
She emphasized that the police continue to intensify efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks, disrupt criminal syndicates, and restore law and order in communities affected by illegal mining and related violence.
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