At least 31 people, suspected to be illegal miners, are believed to have died last month in an abandoned South African gold mine. Image via Adobe Stock
Hawks kill six illegal miners and arrest 87 others after shootout in Orkney
A multidisciplinary team led by the Hawks descended on an alleged illegal mining operation in Orkney, North West on Wednesday night. Six people were fatally wounded in the shootout.
At least 31 people, suspected to be illegal miners, are believed to have died last month in an abandoned South African gold mine. Image via Adobe Stock
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) said six suspects were shot and killed and two others were wounded during an intelligence-driven operation in Orkney, North West on Wednesday night, 20 October,
HAWKS, OTHERS ENGAGE IN SHOOTOUT WITH MINERS
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katleho Mogale said 87 suspects – aged between 25 and 49 – were arrested.
“It is reported that upon execution of information received, the multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Hawks, Task Force, National Intervention Unit, District Crime Combatting Unit, NW Airwing, Explosives Unit, Bidvest Protea Coin Security and Local Criminal Record Centre descended upon the identified shaft where they were met with the suspects’ gunfire,” said Mogale.
The Hawks spokesperson said the multi-disciplinary team returned fire and eight suspects were wounded and six of them succumbed to their injuries, while a member of the law enforcement team was wounded.
The two wounded suspects that did not die were taken to hospital under police guard, said Mogale.
The multi-disciplinary team seized two taxis, illegal mining paraphernalia, gold bearing material and 11 illegal firearms, including three shotguns, three rifles, four pistols and a single revolver, along with bags of food.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 25 October 2021, where they will face charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of gold, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, theft and conspiracy to commit an offence.
