GAUTENG – Mdudusi Sebola (22), Thabiso Kgwete (33), Kgawelo Tloe (57), Moses Mosia (56), and owner of a plot have been remanded in custody by the Randfontein Regional Court today following their arrest on Wednesday for illegal mining activities.

The group was arrested by a multidisciplinary collective led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in concert with Crime Intelligence and Sibanye Stillwater Protection Services at a plot along Campbell Road, Hillside near Randfontein.

They were caught by surprise as they seemingly thought they were in a private and safe retreat to continue with their illicit shift. The owner of the plot Edmund Jorge (37), who claimed not to know that his tenants were committing crime was also arrested.

The group was consequently charged for charges of illegal possession of gold bearing materials, violations of the Mining Rights, Environmental and Immigration Acts. The case was postponed to 07 November 2022 to allow for a bail application after verification of their legality in the Republic of South Africa.

The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has commended the operational team for their outstanding efforts in dismantling this organised illegal venture. The Hawks remains resolute in intensifying the fight against criminal enterprises from profiting from the illegal gold trade. He further urged the public to continue reporting such activities.  

Source: South African Police Service