Welkom: Teboho Kolokotoane (37) was sentenced to serve time in prison or pay R20,000.00 for possession of suspected gold-bearing material by Welkom Magistrate’s Court. Teboho, who is from Maseru in Lesotho, was arrested by members of Operation Vala Umgodi on Old African Rainbow Minerals grounds for illegal mining activities. The Court also found Lebohang Noko (29), from Leribe in Lesotho, guilty of possession of unwrought precious metals, sentencing him to twelve months imprisonment or a fine of R5,000.00.
According to South African Police Service, the Court convicted Spenza Ganja (34), a Zimbabwean immigrant, who was arrested near Steyn 2 Slam Dam by Vala Umgodi operators on the charge of possession of unwrought precious metals. Ganja received a sentence of 24 months imprisonment or a fine of R5,000.00. Johani Phindai Manzana (41) from Manika in Mozambique was sentenced for possession of suspected gold-bearing material and processing equipment after being arrested by police in Bronville Hani Park for illegal mining activities.
The Court found Emanuel Chirigo (29) from Chipenge in Zimbabwe guilty of trespassing on a mine area, attempting to steal state precious metals, and contravention of the Immigration Act. Chirigo was arrested with the help of private security companies in Kopanang Mine, Vierfontein. South African Police Service, along with the Department of Justice/National Prosecution Authority and Department of Home Affairs, will collaborate to facilitate the deportation of the five illegal immigrants found guilty of illegal mining in South Africa.