Wanted suspect killed in shoot out with police in Kagiso

A suspect believed to have opened fire on police earlier this month was killed during a confrontation with law enforcement officers at an illegal mining site in Kagiso.

According to Gauteng police, the man was wanted for a June 3 incident in which he allegedly shot at officers in the Zamimpilo Informal Settlement. Acting on intelligence, members of Operation Vala Umgodi tracked him to Soul City Informal Settlement, where he was reportedly involved in illegal mining activity.

During the operation on Friday, June 13, the suspect fired on police officers as they approached, triggering a shootout. He was fatally wounded in the exchange. A pistol used by the suspect was recovered at the scene and will undergo ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in other crimes.

The SAPS said Operation Vala Umgodi - an ongoing initiative targeting illegal mining syndicates - continues to dismantle illicit operations across Gauteng.

Police have urged the public to report any suspicious or criminal activity related to illegal mining to their nearest station or anonymously via Crime Stop at 08600 10111.