AK47s among four firearms seized after fatal miner shootout

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Two illegal miners have been shot and killed, whilst four firearms, including two AK47s, were seized during an intelligence-driven operation on Sunday morning in Carletonville.

According to reports, the SAPS National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Public Order Police (POP) pounced on illegal miners who were found in possession of a large consignment of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

Police arrived at a house around 04:00 Sunday; suspects fled by jumping through windows and immediately shot at officers, who returned fire, said police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

#sapsHQ [ILLEGAL MINING] #SAPS National Intervention Unit(NIU) led an intell driven op on Sunday morning, 08/02, in Carletonville.

Information they had received indicated that there were illegal miners in possession of a large consignment of unlicensed firearms and ammo.

Upon… pic.twitter.com/N2PTBmFMZe

— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 8, 2026

“A prolonged exchange, estimated to be two hours of gunfire, ensued between the suspects and police.

Four firearms, including AK47s, seized

“As a result of the confrontation, two illegal miners were declared dead at the scene, and two AK47s, two pistols and ammunition were seized.

“Despite the high risk and intensity of the operation, no police officers were injured,” she explained.

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Brig. Mathe stated that the suspects identified as Basotho nationals are assessed as extremely dangerous and pose a threat to public safety, as they showed no hesitation in engaging police.

She added, “Police continue to conduct surveillance operations in the area to apprehend those that ran into bushes.”