An extortion scheme targeting truck drivers and miners in Limpopo came to a bloody end on Wednesday after a fierce gunfight between police and a group of armed suspects.
The drama unfolded at Black Chrome mine near Ga-Maroga village in Driekop, under the Fetakgomo Tubatse Local Municipality, where a group of men reportedly blocked 22 side tipper trucks and demanded money before allowing any mineral loading to take place.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the suspects also threatened a service provider at the mine, demanding a cut from his payment.
Cops swooped in after receiving a complaint – and that’s when all hell broke loose.
“Upon arrival, the suspects opened fire on police officers. The police returned fire and fatally wounded one suspect, aged 27,” said Ledwaba.
Five other suspects, aged between 31 and 46, were arrested on the scene. Police recovered one unlicensed firearm, four live rounds, and five cellphones believed to have been used in coordinating the operation.
The identity of the deceased has not yet been released.
Read | Truck Driver Turns Tables on Hijacker, Shoots Him Dead Near Heidelberg
“This group was clearly organised and armed, and their actions posed a serious threat to the safety of truck drivers and mine staff,” added Ledwaba.
Truckers working in and around Limpopo have long raised concerns over being soft targets for criminal syndicates who demand protection fees or bribes to operate.
One truck driver who witnessed the standoff but asked not to be named said, “These criminals have been terrorising us for weeks. They’d rock up at the loading point and act like they own the mine. We’re just here to do our jobs.”
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon, facing charges including attempted murder, extortion, and illegal possession of a firearm.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
Do you have more on this story? Click to WhatsApp us. Anonymity guaranteed.
