Lentswe, Stilfontein - Eighteen illegal miners were sentenced to three months imprisonment or R5 000 fine each. The men, aged between 21 and 44 years old were sentenced on June 24 in the Stilfontein Magistrates Court.
William Mohlakwane, Orlando Macamu, Itumeleng Ngwenya, Thabang Serekwane, Sivumile Mashaba, Tshepo Shale, Bongane Nhlapo, Tebogo Katsana, Bernet Mashana, Gerald Mashije, Makopo Seleke, Lucky Mbizane, Tsholane Motlhominyane, Phelo Mokara, Mooketsi Khati, Jack Mabote, Bokang Letika, and Kastro Makamu were all sentenced to three months imprisonment or R5000 fine on charges of Illegal mining.
W/O Amogelang Malwetse, spokesperson for the Hawks, said Bokang Letika and Phelo Mokara were arrested by the Klerksdorp Hawks in April this year when they were caught transporting and offloading food parcels and equipment at Scott Shaft in Stilfontein.
Further operation in collaboration with the South African Police Service Explosive Unit, Dr Kenneth Kaunda Illicit Mining task team, Harmony mine security and Proto team were conducted which led to the arrest of sixteen more accused who surrendered themselves from under the dormant shaft.
Six of those arrested namely Tsholane Motlhominyane, Makopo Seleke, Kastro Macamu, Orlando Macamu, Bernet Mashana and Gerald Mashije did not have documents to be in the country.
They were thus charged for contravening the provisions of the immigration Act.
They were found guilty and each sentenced to a further three months imprisonment or R4000 fine.
In addition, all eighteen accused were also sentenced to a further six months imprisonment which is suspended for three years on conditions that they would not be found guilty on illegal mining charges.
