Three suspects aged between 24 and 29 were arrested in Bethal and charged for tempering with infrastructure. During their arrest, it is reported that there was a shootout between the suspects and the security officers and the incident occurred at a certain mine in Bethal on 23 February 2025.
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.
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.
Upon the arrival of the Police at the scene, the apprehended suspects were charged for tempering 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.
The circumstances surrounding this incident is still under investigation by the Police.
The three suspects are expected to appear at the Bethal Magistrate’s Court soon.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr.) Zeph Mkhwanazi has ordered for the thorough investigation of this incident.
