An AK-47, a .38 Special Revolver and 1 991 rounds of live ammunition have been seized in a police operation in Mpumalanga.

The firearms and ammunition were seized in Operation Safer Festive Season/Vala Umgodi on Thursday 24 October.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the discovery was made following intelligence received about suspected illegal mining activities, thanks to members from the Lydenburg K9 Unit, in collaboration with Phoenix Security members.

The information indicated that suspected illegal miners were somehow involved in a gun battle in Sabie.

Upon receiving some details, law enforcement agencies swiftly coordinated a plan to decisively deal with the situation, the SAPS said. As the team approached the area, the group of about 20 suspected miners began to retreat, dropping the two firearms and a large quantity of ammunition, as they ran to avert arrest.

“It was during this time when the astute members confiscated the said items. An inquiry case has been opened and the suspects involved in the incident are still at large.

“The SAPS has since launched a manhunt to locate and bring these individuals to justice,” the SAPS said.

Mpumalanga Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has reassured the public that the police, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, are committed to maintaining increased visibility in areas where illegal mining activities persist.

The General further emphasized that efforts to address illegal mining will continue until all illegal mining activities come to a halt.

“We… will continue with these operations and even exert more pressure while assessing our impact,” said Mkhwanazi.