NORTH WEST – Samuel Bandi (30) and Hardlife Makoto (28) were convicted by the Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court on Friday for unlawful possession of precious metals.

The pair was arrested by mine security outside a Rustenburg mine after they were found in possession of platinum that they had stolen from the mine pipeline. The members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation were roped in to investigate the matter.

Both accused made their first appearance at the Tlhabane Magistrates’ Court where they were remanded in custody, owing to their illegal status in the country. They then made a series of court appearances until they were each sentenced to 7 years direct imprisonment, of which 2 years were suspended for 5 years for unlawful possession of precious metals, they were further sentenced to twelve months direct imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act.

They will therefore each face 5 years effective jail term.

Source: South African Police Service