By Mapaballo Borotho

- A wanted illegal mining kingpin has been shot and killed by the National Intervention Unit during an operation in Carletonville, Gauteng.
- Police say the suspect pointed an AK-47 at officers, prompting them to respond with force.
- An AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of ammunition were confiscated at the scene as police continue efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates in the area.
A dangerous and wanted illegal mining kingpin has been fatally shot by the National Intervention Unit (NIU) in Carletonville, Gauteng, on Sunday, 30 August 2026.
He was killed during an operation conducted by members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and disrupt violent criminal activities associated with illegal mining in the Carletonville area.
His death comes as illegal mining continues to be in the spotlight in South Africa following the deaths of approximately 14 suspected illegal miners in a mine collapse near Rustenburg.
National police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe says police also confiscated an AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition at the scene.
“Members of the NIU proceeded to a residence on Sunday where the suspect was believed to be staying. Upon arrival, police announced their presence and identified themselves as police officers.
“The suspect responded by pointing an AK-47 assault rifle at the police. The members were compelled to respond with force, resulting in the suspect sustaining fatal gunshot wounds,” said Mathe.
The deceased suspect was known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area.
He is believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area.
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