By Thys Khiba – The Stilfontein Magistrates’ Court has postponed the case of one accused who was verified to be from Lesotho, one Mozambican,and 12 Zimbabwean nationals who arrested for illegal mining in Stilfontein to 28 March 2023 for further investigations.
The suspects made their first appearance before the court on 23 February 2023.
12 Zimbabweans arrested in Stilfontein for illegal mining
“They are charged with the violation of the Immigration Act as well as illegal mining. The state is not ruling out the possibility of adding more charges,” said North West NPA spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
They have all abandoned their bail application as they are all illegal in South Africa.
This comes after the Hawks arrested 15 suspected illegal miners at Quest mine which is situated just off Buffeldoorn road.
These alleged Zama Zamas were arrested during a multi-disciplinary operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation assisted by the North West Airwing, Explosives unit, Cluster IMTT, Public Order Policing, Tactical Response Team, Crime Prevention unit, Local Criminal Record Centre and the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
“The team followed up on information regarding the alleged illegal mining activities at Quest mine which is situated just off Buffeldoorn road. Resultantly, sixteen alleged illegal miners were flushed out from underground leading to their subsequent arrest.
12 Zimbabweans arrested in Stilfontein for illegal mining
“During the operation two firearms were seized, explosive cartridges, detonating cords, capped fuses, four generators and illegal mining paraphernalia which consisted of 23 buckets of gold bearing material, electric mills, heavy duty electrical equipment, water pumps and diesel. In addition, large amounts of food were also seized,” said North West Hawks spokesperson Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso.
Meanwhile, the 15th suspect who is a South African citizen will appear on 03 March 2023, for a formal bail application.
He is charged separately as he was found in possession of a firearm and explosives.
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