Prison Sentence
By Mpho Moloi
Johannesburg – Fifteen former Sibanye Stillwater miners have been sentenced to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in a significant gold theft operation. Hawks Spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela confirmed that the stolen gold-bearing material was valued at over R2 million.
The convicted individuals include Willmon Nkosinathi Mdluli (54), Zamikhaya Zamikhaya Fihlani (58), Phillip Phalane Maleka (56), Sonny Mbongeni Mabuza (54), Thuso Elias Moshoeshoe (64), Armando Raymond Zitha (65), Amos Timothy Gumede (56), Juluka Nowell Gamede (53), Sivuyile Rasta Mkhize (44), Nkosilungile Gibson Ntsimbi (47), Rowen Shadrack Ndou (40), Dumisani Enock Gumede (41), Malidane Abel Nhlebeya (63), Mphakatsi Mandule Mbhamali (34), and Linge Mgzotheni (47). They were all sentenced by the Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court on 31 July 2024 for theft, illegal possession of unwrought precious metals, and the transportation and conveyance of unwrought precious metals.
Warrant Officer Mavimbela detailed the comprehensive investigation that led to these convictions. “On 11 June 2014, a take-down operation was conducted following information received about several employees suspected of stealing and refining gold-bearing material at the Sibanye Stillwater metallurgical plant in Driefontein from August 2013 to June 2014. Covert cameras were installed during the investigation, identifying 19 employees involved in the theft, leading to their arrests. The stolen gold-bearing material was estimated to be worth over R2 million,” Mavimbela explained.
Following their arrest, all accused were granted bail in June 2014, ranging from R15 000 to R20 000. However, one of the accused, Keogotsitse Wadikgomo (58), is still at large after a warrant for his arrest was issued on 20 January 2022. The public is urged to report any information on his whereabouts to the investigation officer, Vanessa Meyer, at 082 778 9155.
The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks praised the efforts of both the investigators and the prosecutors in bringing the culprits to justice. “As our country grapples with the scourge of illegal mining, we welcome the conviction and sentencing of these individuals in the hope that others in the mining sector will refrain from enabling illegal trade,” he said.
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