Five suspects have been arrested by the SAPS and were remanded in custody by the Randfontein Regional Court following their arrest on Wednesday last week for illegal mining activities.
The suspects, including 22-year-old Mdudusi, 33-year-old Thabiso Kgwete, 57-year-old Kgawelo Mosia, 56-year-old Moses Mosia and the owner of a plot, 37-year-old Edmund Jorge, were apprehended by a multidisciplinary team led by the Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation team in concert with Crime Intelligence and Sibanye Stillwater Protection Services at a plot along Campbell Road, Hillside, near Randfontein.
SAPS reported that the suspects were caught by surprise as they seemingly thought they were in a private and safe retreat to continue with their illicit shift.
According to the SAPS, Jorge claimed that he was ignorant and did not to know that his tenants were committing a crime.
“The group was consequently charged with illegal possession of gold-bearing materials, violations of the Mining Rights, Environmental and Immigration Acts. The case was postponed to November 7, 2022, to allow for a bail application after verification of their legality in the Republic of South Africa,” SAPS said.
Major-General Ebrahim Kadwa, provincial head of the Hawks, commended the operational team for their outstanding efforts in dismantling the organised illegal venture.
The Star