Two zama zamas killed after hours-long shootout with police in Carletonville

A quiet Sunday morning shattered by gunfire

Residents in parts of Carletonville woke up on Sunday morning to the sound of sustained gunfire, a reminder of how deeply illegal mining has embedded itself into daily life on the West Rand.

By the time the smoke cleared, two illegal miners, commonly known as zama zamas, were dead following a prolonged shootout with police. The exchange of gunfire, which lasted for nearly two hours, unfolded during an intelligence-driven operation led by the South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit (NIU).

[BREAKING NEWS] Two Zama-Zamas Killed, Four Arrested After SAPS Shootout with Heavily Armed Illegal Miners at Blyvooruitzig Gold Mine, Carletonville

Officers recovered an AK-47, two 9mm pistols, and ammunition

The SAPS National Intervention Unit in Pretoria responded to reports… pic.twitter.com/eQEUhZI2kh

THE TRUTH PANTHER 🇿🇦 (@TheTruthPanther) February 8, 2026

Intelligence led police to a heavily armed group

According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, the operation was launched after authorities received information suggesting that a group of illegal miners were hiding in a residential property while in possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police arrived at the targeted house at around 4am. Almost immediately, officers noticed suspects attempting to escape by jumping out of windows. What followed was a rapid escalation.

“The suspects opened fire on police members, who responded accordingly,” Mathe said.

Two hours of gunfire in a residential area

The gun battle stretched on far longer than many residents would expect, an estimated two hours of sustained exchanges between police and the armed suspects.

By the end of the confrontation, two zama zamas were declared dead at the scene. Police recovered two AK-47 rifles, two pistols and a quantity of ammunition.

Despite the intensity of the operation, no police officers were injured.

A familiar threat in mining towns

Illegal mining has long plagued Carletonville and surrounding West Rand communities, where abandoned shafts and informal mining networks have become hotspots for organised crime, violence and weapons trafficking.

Police confirmed that the suspects were Basotho nationals and described them as extremely dangerous, noting their willingness to engage law enforcement without hesitation.

Surveillance operations are continuing in the area as officers search for additional suspects who fled into nearby bushes during the shootout.

Public reaction: fear, frustration and fatigue

News of the gun battle quickly spread on social media, with many residents expressing fear over the level of firepower involved and frustration that such violent encounters are becoming increasingly common in mining towns.

Others praised police for preventing what could have been a larger tragedy in a residential area.

Investigations continue

An inquest docket has been opened, and investigations into the shootout are ongoing. Police say operations targeting illegal mining syndicates in the West Rand will continue as part of broader efforts to curb organised crime linked to zama zamas.

{Source: The Citizen}

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