This follows after two separate incidents involving mass shootouts between so-called zama-zamas and police in the space of a month.

The most recent mass incident took place on October 20, where 87 illegal miners were arrested, eight were wounded, six were killed, and one police official was injured.

Hawks spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, says that upon information received, the Hawks descended upon the identified shaft where they were met with the suspects' gunfire.

Mogale says there have been no new developments.

The 87 illegal miners are due to appear before the Orkney Magistrate’s Court on Monday, where they are facing charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of gold, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of prohibited firearms, theft, and conspiracy to commit an offense.

OFM News previously reported that the spokesperson for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Grace Langa, says they are investigating the case.

Langa adds so far they collected statements and weapons used on the scene in order to conduct ballistic tests.

The first incident took place on October 6, where six illegal miners were killed during a shooting.

The incident involved security officials and police, when a group of at least 300 miners attempted to pass food and water to their compatriots underground, at shaft number six in that area.

Both incidents occurred in the same month in the same vicinity.

OFM News