Two illegal miners convicted and sentenced

Media Statement
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation
(HAWKS)

LIMPOPO – Two illegal miners, Cris Ndhlovu (46) and John Chauke (28) were convicted and sentenced for Contravention of Precious Metal Act and Immigration Act by the Giyani Magistrates’ Court on 03 April 2024.

During October 2014, Phalaborwa based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit in conjunction with Limpopo Provincial Task Team on Illegal Mining, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMR& E), Burgersfort Public Order Policing (POP) and Giyani POP conducted disruptive operation aimed at addressing the illegal mining activities at Xikukwani village outside Giyani.

During operation, the team arrested the two accused and confiscated a generator, a jack hammer, two scales, three torches, an LED light, a pick and gold stones weighing 470 grams. All seized items were valued at over six hundred and forty thousand rand (R640 000-00).

The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation was entrusted with the investigation of the matter. After several court appearance, Chauke was released on bail of R3000 whereas Ndlovu denied bail.

The case was well investigated until the accused were convicted and sentenced as follows:

Accused No 1: Cris Ndlovu, a Mozambican national
-Count 1: the accused is sentenced to six months direct imprisonment.
-Count 2: sentenced to pay one thousand rand (R1000) or six months imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not found guilty on a similar offence during the period of suspension.
Count 3: sentenced to six months direct imprisonment.

Accused No 2: John Chauke
Count 1: sentenced to pay fine of ten thousand rand (R10 000) or two years imprisonment half of which is suspended for a period of five years on condition the accused is not convicted of the same offence.
Count 2: sentenced to pay fine of one thousand rand (R1000) or one year imprisonment wholly suspended for a period of five years on condition that the accused is not convicted of the similar offence.

Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Brigadier Alexander applauded the investigators for the excellent job.
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