Four alleged illegal miners appear in court

Media Statement
South African Police Service
Office of the Provincial Commissioner North West

POTCHEFSTROOM – Four Lesotho foreign nationals appeared before the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 22 April 2024, for illicit mining and contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002  (Act No. 13 of 2002).

Relebogile Molefe (29), Pitso Motseki (21), Tsotang Maphate (32) and Thabiso Motsoari (47) ’s court appearance emanated from their arrest by “Vala Umgodi” deployment team on Thursday, 18 April 2024, after being found in possession of gold bearing material in Kanana. During the arrest, the police confiscated a phenduka machine, which the accused allegedly utilised to process the gold bearing material.

The accused are expected to reappear in the Orkney Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 29 April 2024 for plea.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded the “Vala Umgodi” team members for their relentless efforts in the fight against illicit mining.

Ends

Enquiries:
Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone
082 ‪496 9642

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