PHALABORWA – Ten people who were arrested on 01 March 2022 in Lulekani for allegedly mining gold illegally appeared in the Lulekani Magistrate’s court on Thursday.
The suspects Ngirivani Josphat (39),Valoyi Xandlani (24),Valoyi Tinyiko (27),Ngobeni Richard (49), Ngobeni Ntiyiso (33),Ngobeni Marvin (28),Mahumane David (45),Maluleke Marios (46),Nukeri Ellis (44) and Ngobeni Samuel (53).were arrested by a multi-disciplinary team comprising the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Mopani District Task Team, and SAPS-Lulekani following an intelligence-driven disruptive operation at Scheiding Farm.
During the operation, four suspects were found in possession of unwrought gold while the other six were caught whilst mining. The team managed to seize 3 bags containing suspected gold-bearing material, one bottle containing unwrought gold, four motor vehicles, and different mining equipment with a value of over R1.1 million.
All the arrested suspects made their first appearance in the Lulekani Magistrates’ court on 3 March 2022 for contravening the Precious Metal Act have been remanded in custody until 8 March 2022 for formal bail application.
