By Thys Khiba – Bidvest Protea Coin Security and Impala Platinum Mine employees appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court in the North West on charges of tampering with essential infrastructure, theft, and gangsterism.
The two accused of stealing catalytic converters at Impala Platinum Mine on Thursday, 15 June, valued at approximately R1.7 million.
The matter against Aubrey Loeto, 43 and Thys Monchusi, 37 has been postponed to Friday, 23 June for a formal bail application.
The North West, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Henry Mamothame confirmed that the state intends to oppose their bail application.
“Their court appearance emanates from an incident that occurred on 15 June 2023, wherein members of the Rustenburg OrganisedCrime unit received information from Bidvest Protea Coin Security about one of their vehicle being spotted, heavily loaded with catalytic converters leaving the Impala Platinum Mine,” said Mamothame.
North West police tracked the vehicle’s movement, and it led them to a house in the Lemenong section in Phokeng.
Police were given the go-ahead to search the house by the owner. They discovered the suspected catalytic converters in a shack said to be rented out a suspect who is still at large.
“Monchusi was arrested on scene, while Loeto was traced and found at Boitekong and subsequently returned to where the stolen goods were stored, where he confirmed that the goods were stolen from the Platinum mine. The duo further confirmed that a third person who is their ally is linked to the crime,” Mamothame said.
The two are expected to be in police custody until their next court appearance.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr.Rachel Makhari and provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Sello Kwena welcomed the arrest and court appearance of Monchusi and Loeto.
CENTRAL NEWS
————————————————————
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0814955487