5 Illegal Miners Sentenced For Possession Of Gold-Bearing Material
The Welkom Magistrate’s Court has handed down sentences to five foreign nationals involved in illegal mining activities in the Free State.
Teboho Kolokotoane (37) from Maseru, Lesotho, was sentenced to prison or a R20,000 fine for possession of suspected gold-bearing material.
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He was arrested on the grounds of the old African Rainbow Minerals site during an Operation Vala uMgodi raid targeting illegal miners.
In a separate case, Lebohang Noko (29), also from Lesotho, was found guilty of possession of unwrought precious metals and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R5,000.
Operation Vala uMgodi Nabs More Illegal Miners
The crackdown extended beyond Lesotho nationals.
Spenza Ganja (34), a Zimbabwean citizen, was arrested near Steyn 2 Slam Dam and convicted for possession of unwrought precious metals.
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The court sentenced him to 24 months in prison or a R5,000 fine.
Meanwhile, Johani Phindai Manzana (41) from Manika, Mozambique, was also sentenced after being caught in Bronville Hani Park in possession of suspected gold-bearing material and illegal processing equipment.
Immigration Offenders To Be Deported
Emanuel Chirigo (29), a Zimbabwean from Chipenge, was convicted on three charges: trespassing on a mine area, attempting to steal state-owned precious metals, and contravening the Immigration Act.
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He was arrested in the Kopanang Mine area with the assistance of private security companies.
The Department of Home Affairs, South African Police Service (SAPS), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) are now working together to coordinate the deportation of all five convicted individuals.
The convicts who were found guilty of engaging in illegal mining activities and violating immigration laws.
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