Lentswe, Stilfontein - The local magistrates’ Court sentenced, the second batch of illegal miners for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act. The accused included 10 Lesotho, four Mozambique and five Zimbabwe undocumented foreign nationals. They are between 20 and 43 years old.
The court handed down six months imprisonment or R12 000 fine on December 31 to each of the accused for illegal mining. The sentences are wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused persons are not convicted on crimes involving illegal mining again.
According to Brig Sabata Mokgwabone, police spokesperson, they were further sentenced to three months imprisonment or R6 000 fine suspended for five years on condition that they are not caught without official papers in South Africa again.
Following the sentences, the accused were deported to their countries of origin by Department of Home Affairs on Tuesday January 7. The accused were arrested at Margaret Shaft where they resurfaced in November 2024. This group was sentenced 20 days after the first one.
Meanwhile, five illegal miners resurfaced at Margaret Shaft on Tuesday January 7. This brings the total number of illegal miners arrested between August 18 and January 7, to 1 567.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of North West, Major General Patrick Asaneng welcomed the conviction and subsequent deportation of the convicts, and reiterated that Operation “Vala Umgodi” will continue to ensure that those who commit crime are dealt with in accordance of the law.
