Gauteng Police Take Down Alleged Mining Kingpin in Soweto Shootout

• The police, alongside the National Intervention Unit, shot and killed an alleged mining kingpin in Soweto
• The unit tracked down the Lesotho national to his hideout in Jabulani and gunned him down after he pointed a firearm at an officer
• The man was linked to about 29 illegal mining-related murders in Florida and Nomzamo, 16 of which were murdered at a local tavern

Zingisa Chirwa is an experienced Briefly News journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, who has covered current affairs on the radio for over 15 years.

Gauteng police shot and killed an alleged mining Kingpin in Jabulani in Soweto.

Police track down Zama zama kingpin

According to a SAPS statement, the National Intervention Unit traced the Lesotho national to his hideout. The alleged kingpin was reportedly shot after resisting capture and pointed his weapon at a police officer. The police effort to apprehend the suspect was part of Operation Vala Umgodi searches on 4 and 5 May 2024.

Read also

Mpumalanga SAPS rescues victims abducted near Hazyview school

The man was linked to about 29 illegal mining-related murders in Florida and Nomzamo, where 16 of the people were killed at a local tavern.

Citizens applaud SAPS’ swift action

Many netizens commended the police’s zero-tolerance stance against criminality, while others questioned why officers weren’t allowing the suspect his day in court.

@General_Sport7 said:

“Illegal mining is very dangerous.”

@MalumeRichie commented:

“They are not playing around nowadays.”

@AmosOupa4 applauded the police:

“Bring law and order in South Africa SAPS...Well-done.”

@LimbaMntima pointed out:

“A dead body cannot spill the beans in court.”

@Otee1572684Otee added:

“The narrative that these guys are kingpins is lies. He was killed so that he doesn't take out the people above him who fund the entire operation.”

Zama Zama's gold-digging chemicals threaten hiking tourists

Read also

Mpumalanga on-duty officer shoots girlfriend and himself in murder-suicide

Briefly News reported that tourists on the Mpumalanga Panorama route were in danger as Zama-zamas invaded parks and picnic areas, resulting in their closure.

Officials said the chemicals used by the illegal miners to harvest and divert gold, including mercury, cyanide, and e-coli, posed major risks to surrounding communities.

A chief in Matibidi told Briefly News cattle in the area adjacent to Pilgrims' Rest were dying from drinking water in streams and rivers supplied by the Blyde River.

Source: Briefly News