‘Dangerous’ illegal mining kingpin shot dead by police in Carletonville

Gauteng police shot and killed a wanted illegal mining kingpin in Carletonville on Sunday, 30 August, after officers say he pointed an AK-47 assault rifle at members of the National Intervention Unit during a tracing operation.

Intelligence-driven tracing operation

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the NIU conducted an intelligence-driven tracing operation that formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle violent illegal mining syndicates in the Carletonville area.

Mathe said NIU members proceeded to a residence on Sunday where the suspect was believed to be staying. “Upon arrival, police announced their presence and identified themselves as police officers,” she said.

Armed confrontation and shooting

According to Mathe, the suspect responded by pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at police. “The members were compelled to respond with force, resulting in the suspect sustaining fatal gunshot wounds,” she said.

Police seized an AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition at the scene.

Suspect linked to mining violence

Mathe described the deceased as a man known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area. She said he was believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area.

Wider police response

Mathe said the shooting formed part of broader SAPS efforts to tackle violence linked to illegal mining. “The SAPS continues to intensify operations aimed at dismantling illegal mining networks, disrupting the activities of criminal syndicates and restoring law and order in communities affected by illegal mining and associated violence,” she added.