During their arrest, it is reported that there was a shoot-out between the suspects and security officers on February 23.

According to a report, six armed men are said to have forcefully gained entry at the underground gate of the mine, by breaking the lock thereby damaging the shaft.

It was during this time when the security personnel went to the said shaft to investigate. Upon entering the shaft, the guards were reportedly welcomed by a hail of bullets from the suspects. It is said that the security officers responded accordingly where one suspect was fatally shot during the crossfire.

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During the incident, the security officers managed to corner three suspects. Besides the one who succumbed, another one sustained some injuries after being shot on the leg.

The suspects were charged for tampering with infrastructure to the estimated value of about R1.2 Million. Amongst the three suspects, one is a Lesotho National and the investigators are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs on this matter and police cannot rule out the possibilities of additional charges against the suspects as the investigation continues.

They are expected to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.

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