An alleged illegal miner shot and injured during his arrest by police

A 45-year-old male suspect sustained some injuries after being shot by the police during his arrest. It is further reported that the man pointed the members with a firearm and attempted to pull the trigger after he was cornered whilst reportedly engaged in illegal mining. The incident is said to have occurred at Boilhill, Mjindini Trust in Barberton on Friday, 18 August 2023 around 13:00.

According to information members from the National Intervention Unit (NIU) were on a mission to prevent and disrupt illegal mining and other related crimes in the area. The members are said to have caught the man and his accomplice, allegedly involved in illegal mining activities on that day at Boilhill near Barberton outside Nelspruit. The two were intercepted by the arrival of the members and as they approached the suspects, the other male person managed to flee. The SAPS members were trying to effect an arrest when the suspect reportedly took out a firearm and cocked it but the astute members acted swiftly and that was the time when he was shot and injured. He was then disarmed and taken to hospital for medical treatment under police guard. During preliminary investigation, members discovered that the confiscated firearm is an airgun.

He is facing charges, including attempted murder, possession of unlicensed firearm, pointing with a firearm as well as illegal mining. More charges could possibly be added against the suspect. He is expected to appear in court soon facing the said charges. Police are currently in sought of the other suspect who is still on the run.

The investigation still continues and the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) will also conduct their investigation in regard to the shooting which involved police officers.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has welcomed the arrest of the suspect and raised a concern regarding the threats upon members of the police and other law enforcement agencies when they conduct their duties.

Source: South African Police Service