LIMPOPO – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation welcome the sentencing of ten (10) unlawful gold dealers by the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 1 April 2022.
Mpatise Tshuma(29), Decent Ngwenya (22), Lamulani Sibanda (31), Skhumbuzo Mkandla (21), Ocean Mpofu (28), Prince Ndlovu (27), Brandon Nyoni (22), Clive Moyo (29), Tawanda Ndebele (33) and Philani Ndlovu (33) who are all Zimbabwean nationals were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members assisted by Giyani Police and Local Criminal Record Centre members on 14 May 2021.
The Hawks received a tip off about people who were enroute from Phalaborwa to Giyani to sell gold.
The vehicle matching a description of the one they were travelling in was spotted driving on the R81 road near Giyani shopping complex and it was cornered.
Ten occupants were found in the vehicle and they were searched. Upon searching them, unwrought gold, pastel, scale and mine detectors worth over R900 000-00 as well as R3800-00 cash were found and seized.
The accused appeared several times in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court, and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges.
The court sentenced them to two (2) years imprisonment for contravention of the Precious Metal Act of which one year is suspended and six months imprisonment for contravening the Immigration Act. The sentences are to run concurrently
Source: South African Police Service