| 2024/05/22 |
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Media Statement POTCHEFSTROOM – A 33-year-old Tankie Hleloane, who is a Lesotho foreign national, appeared before the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 20 May 2024, for unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition. He was remanded in custody until his next court appearance on Monday, 27 May 2024. Hleloane was apprehended on Friday, 17 May 2024, during Operation “Vala Umgodi” held in Kanana Township. The Vala Umgodi team, followed-up on information received about a certain house that was allegedly rented by illicit miners. While the police were searching through the house, a revolver and 51 rounds of ammunition were found hidden in a cylinder in Hleloane’s room, leading to his immediate arrest. Meanwhile, the “Vala Umgodi” deployment in Rustenburg seized a large quantity of mining equipment and arrested seven suspected undocumented persons in the disruptive illegal mining operation conducted in Tlhatlhaganyane village on Sunday, 19 May 2024. The following suspects were arrested for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) of the Immigration Act, 2002 (Act No. 13 of 2002): Thomas Sithole (34), Priviledge Tshikira (22), Calvin Zvhoutete (21), Tawande Moyambo (32), Brian Madhdoro (23) and Trust Mthethwa (21) are foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and were remanded in custody until today, 22 May 2024, upon appearance before the court on Monday, 20 May 2024. The seventh accused, Timothy Masango (41) will reappear before the court on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. The team seized illegal mining equipment, which were found abandoned. They include: 17 Generators Seven spades Two shovels 35 jack hammers Four loose jack hammers drill bits The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, congratulated the “Vula Umgodi” team that is fighting zama-zamas in the province. He said criminal activities will not be tolerated. Attached pictures of the firearm, ammunition and equipment that was recovered during the Vala Umgodi Operation. Ends
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