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Grisly find brings toll in suspected illegal mining turf war to 14

Eight bodies have been found In Benoni‚ bringing the total number of victims in an apparent turf war between gangs of illegal miners to to 14 in just two days.

According to police‚ the eight bodies were found on Monday afternoon at Unity Street in New Modder on the East Rand. Six bodies were found in the area on Sunday.

“Police are investigating the murder of 14 people‚ all men‚ suspected to be illegal miners who were found dead in Benoni‚” said the statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini on Monday evening.

Illegal miners want to rescue trapped boyIllegal miners have gathered for days around the Ekurhuleni mine that five-year-old Richard Thole fell into‚ begging emergency personnel for a chance to retrieve the boy. 

“The motive for the killing might be linked to the rival gangs involved in illegal mining‚” said police.

“It appears that the victims were either killed with a sharp object or shot before their bodies were dumped. It is still unknown where they were killed and the bodies have not yet been identified.”

Police say are appealing to anyone who might have information to contact the nearest police station or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.

 

— TMG Digital

 

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