Illegal Mining Kingpin Shot Dead In Carletonville After Pointing AK47 At Police 

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Pretoria – A “wanted and dangerous” illegal mining kingpin has been shot dead in Carletonville, Gauteng, by members of the police National Intervention Unit (NIU).

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the wanted kingpin was traced to a residence in Carletonville, Gauteng, where he was shot dead on Sunday, 30 August 2026,

Narrating events leading to the fatal shooting, Brigadier Mathe said: “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.”

Brigadier Mathe said an AK-47 rifle and 125 rounds of AK-47 ammunition were seized at the scene.

“The deceased suspect was known to police as one of the dangerous illegal mining kingpins operating in the Carletonville area,” said the police spokesperson .

“He is believed to have played a central role in the ongoing conflict between two rival illegal mining groups in the area.”

Brigadier Mathe said the tracing operation was part of ongoing efforts by the South African Police Service (SAPS) to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and tackle violent criminal activities in the Carletonville area.

She said the SAPS continues to intensify such operations at illegal mining networks to restore law and order in affected communities.

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