Xolile Mazibuko (37) who is a Lesotho national, was convicted and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of explosives as well as one year and six months for contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 when he appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 15 August 2024.

In November 2022, the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit received information about a Lesotho national at Kanana township near Orkney, who was planning to sell mining equipment suspected to be explosives. The information was operationalised, and the suspect was subsequently apprehended.

The accused was denied bail, and following a series of court appearances, the accused was sentenced as follows:

Count 1: 15 years imprisonment for possession of explosives

Count 2: Illegal Immigration Act, one year six months imprisonment.

The sentences will run concurrently; therefore, the accused will serve an effective 15 years imprisonment.

The North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution team for ensuring that the accused faces the full might of the law.

Source : South African Police Service