On 23 February, six armed men allegedly breached the underground gate of a mine, causing an estimated R1.2 million in damages.

Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane stated that the suspects gained access by breaking the lock at the shaft, triggering a swift security response.

“Upon entering the shaft, the guards were reportedly met with a hail of bullets from the suspects. The security officers returned fire, fatally shooting one suspect during the crossfire,” Ndubane said.

During the confrontation, the security team managed to corner three suspects while another was shot in the leg.

Police were called to the scene and arrested the three surviving suspects.

“Among them, one is a Lesotho national, and investigators are working closely with the Department of Home Affairs. Additional charges may be added as the investigation progresses,” Ndubane added.

Authorities are still piecing together the details of the attempted robbery, and the three suspects are set to appear in the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.