Mosotho man has been apprehended following the outburst shooting with Security personnel at Bethel Mine in Mpumalanga, South Africa (SA).

According to the report the incident unfolded when six armed men including Lesotho National allegedly contravened 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 said that the security officers responded accordingly where one suspect was fatally shot during the crossfire. Amid the incident the security officers managed to corner three suspects while one died from injuries and one sustained some injuries after being shot on the leg.

Upon the arrival of the South African Police Services (SAPS) at the scene the apprehended suspects were charged for tampering with the infrastructure of the estimated value of about R1.2 million. According to SAPS Provincial Police Spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ngubane the investigators are working collaboratively with officials from the Department of Home Affairs on the matter.

He added that more details surrounding the attempted robbery remain unclear as SAPS continue with the investigation. Lieutenant Colonel Jubu Ngubane concluded that the suspects are expected to appear in the Bethel Magistrate Court soon. Meanwhile Overlooked Coal Mine is a surface and underground mine in Bethel, Mpumalanga, South Africa (SA).

Overlooked Colliery (PTY) Ltd operates the mine, the mine is a mostly open pit operation although there is a small portion of underground bird-and-pillar operations occurring at the site as well.

The mine had an initial production target of 1.15 million tonnes per annum.

The mine proposals were submitted in 2013, claiming a life of mine of 8 years. However, the mine is currently contracted to produce coal for Eskom Matla Power Station until at least 2023.

Meanwhile, no corpse has been reported with either the Embassy of Lesotho to South Africa or any of the consulates about the incident.