Illegal miners caught

Protracted investigation into illegal mining activities in the Giyani area yielded positive results last week when a group of men and women were allegedly caught in the act of processing gold.

Eight suspects, aged between 21 and 65, were arrested and has appeared in the Giyani magistrate’s court last Thursday for alleged illegal mining activities in Hlaneki, Mapuve and Mavalani villages.

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The accused are Salphinah Patron Manganyi (51), Petros Chimoyo (53), Sesana Baloyi (33), Annah Mathonsi (65), Mikateko Khosa (43), Khensani Mabilani (37), Erick Maphosa (21) and Robert Chauke (41). They appeared on charges of contravening the precious metal act.

Mathonsi was released pending further investigation while her accomplices were due to re-appear in court at the time of going to print to apply for bail.

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Police spokesperson for the Hawks, Capt Matimba Maluleke, said that a generator, hose pipes, saws, electric cables, hammers, 9mm live ammunition, gold nuggets, bags full of gold-bearing material, grinder and gas cylinder were confiscated.

Hawks provincial commander, Maj Gen Thobeka Jozi, welcomed the arrests and assured the public that police would continue to intensify operations to decisively deal with illegal mining which is rife and contributing to serious and violent crime in the province, he said.