Tebogo Msimanga |
Thirty-six alleged illegal miners were arrested on Sunday morning in Stilfontein in North West after authorities responded to an apparent turf war amongst armed factions.
The warring rivals are believed to be Lesotho nationals fighting to assert dominance over each other for illegal mining turf.
Hawks Spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the collaborative efforts between the authorities resulted in at least 36 suspects aged between 20 and 42 being arrested.
“One suspect was shot and wounded in the upper body after he reportedly ignored calls for him to drop his firearm” said Mogale.
Mogale said three loaded AK47 assault rifles, a 303 rifle, a pistol, magazines and various ammunition were seized.
The suspects are expected to appear at the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 22 December 2020.
“Their status of being in the country is also a subject of an ongoing investigation.” Concluded Mogale.
