Alleged illegal mining kingpins remanded in custody
They were arrested in the early hours of October 4 and are accused of buying gold-bearing material from illegal miners, and subsequently processing and reselling it on the black market.
The six men suspected of being illegal mining kingpins have been remanded in custody during their appearance in the Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court on October 5.
The court denied them bail following their arrest in the early hours of October 4 in the neighbouring towns of Carletonville and Khutsong.
They have been accused of buying gold-bearing material from illegal miners, and subsequently processing and reselling it.
They face charges including fraud, possession of ammunition and drugs, and two charges in terms of the Immigration Act 19 of 2004.
Defence lawyer Mulalo Lifhiga who is representing the suspects said in court that his clients were not a flight risk and alleged that all of them were South Africans.
He said their addresses should not be an issue by virtue of the fact that they were arrested at their homes.
This was thwarted by Prosecutor Asanda Nombewu who said only two of the suspects were confirmed to be South Africans and that the postponement is needed to verify the addresses and statuses of the other accused.
Speaking shortly after the arrests were made West Rand District Police commissioner Major General Fred Kekana said they will strengthen their efforts to curb illegal mining.
“We will leave no stone unturned and to those who are still out there, either you hand yourself in or we will be knocking on your door,” said Kekana who added that investigations into more illegal mining activities were underway.
All the accused are set to appear in court again on October 19 when they will hear whether or not they will be granted bail.
