An intelligence‑driven operation led by the South African Police Service’s National Intervention Unit (NIU) and Gauteng Public Order Police (POP) resulted in a deadly confrontation with armed illegal miners in Carletonville in the early hours of Sunday, 08 February 2026.
According to operational information received, a group of illegal miners was allegedly in possession of a substantial cache of unlicensed firearms and ammunition. Acting on the tip‑off, units descended on a targeted residence at approximately 04:00.
As police approached, several suspects attempted to escape by leaping through windows. They immediately opened fire on the officers, prompting members of the NIU and POP to return fire. What followed was an intense gun battle lasting an estimated two hours.
Two suspects were fatally wounded during the exchange. Police recovered two AK‑47 rifles, two pistols and a significant quantity of ammunition at the scene.
Despite the scale and intensity of the shootout, no police officers sustained injuries.
The suspects, identified as Basotho nationals, are believed to pose a serious threat to public safety. Officers on the scene reported that the individuals showed no hesitation in engaging law‑enforcement personnel with high‑calibre weaponry.
SAPS National Spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe commended the disciplined conduct of the responding members, stating:
“Sunday’s operation once again highlights the extreme danger posed by heavily armed illegal mining syndicates. Our officers acted with courage under fire, ensuring that high‑risk criminals were prevented from wreaking further havoc in our communities. SAPS will continue to act decisively against those who threaten the safety and stability of our nation.”
Police have since intensified surveillance efforts in the area as they track additional suspects who fled into nearby bushland during the confrontation.
