Byline: Andani Matumba
13 July 2022
The 37 years old, Thabang Ntsibane was found guilty and sentenced by the Pilgrims Rest Magistrate court on Monday, 11 July 2022 for possession of gold bearing material.
Ntsibane was sentenced and given an option of payment of a fine in the amount of R2000 or 5 months imprisonment.
The conviction follows the arrest of the accused which took place on 09 August 2021 during a disruptive operation conducted by the Hawks Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Mpumalanga Tactical Respond Team and National Intervention Unit at Pilgrims Rest mines.
According to Captain Dineo Dekgodi, the accused was arrested while busy processing the gold bearing materials together with other people who ran away and he was caught.
The accused had been in custody since his arrest until his sentencing on Monday.
The Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the investigation team together with Judiciary for setting an example to everyone that illegal mining is a crime and a person can be detained and sentenced.
Major General further warned the public to refrain from going into the mines as it is not safe.
