Marti Will
Five foreign nationals have been tried and found guilty of possession of unwrought precious metals.
On Friday, 11 April, Teboho Kolokotoane (37) was sentenced to serve time in prison or pay R20 000 for the possession of suspected gold-bearing material by the Welkom Magistrates’ Court.
Kolokotoane, from Maseru in Lesotho, was arrested by members of Operation Vala uMgodi on Old African Rainbow Minerals grounds, busy with illegal mining activities.
The court also found Lebohang Noko (29), who is from Leribe in Lesotho, guilty of possession of unwrought precious metals. Noko was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R5 000.
The court convicted Spenza Ganja (34), a Zimbabwean immigrant who was arrested near Steyn 2 Slam Dam by Vala UMgodi operators on the charge of possession of unwrought precious metals. Ganja was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment or a fine of R5 000.
Johani Phindai Manzana (41) from Manika in Mozambique was sentenced to spend time in prison or pay a fine for possession of suspected gold-bearing material and processing equipment. He was arrested by the police in Bronville, Hani Park, busy with illegal mining activities.
The court found Emanuel Chirigo (29) from Chipenge in Zimbabwe guilty of trespassing on mine area, attempt to steal state precious metals and contravention of the Immigration Act. He was arrested with the help of private security companies at Kopanang Mine, Vierfontein.
“The SAPS, Department of Justice, National Prosecution Authority and Department of Home Affairs will work together to facilitate the deportation of the illegal immigrants who were found guilty of mining illegally in the Republic of South Africa,” says Lt. Col Thabo Covane, Free State spokesperson.
