Two illegal miners were handed hefty sentences. Image: Twitter/SAPS.
Two illegal miners handed hefty sentences in North West
Two illegal miners, Mokhele Sechaba, 37, and Bokang Matladi, 38, were handed hefty sentences for planning a turf war.
Two illegal miners were handed hefty sentences. Image: Twitter/SAPS.
Two illegal miners Mokhele Sechaba, 37, and Bokang Matladi, 38, have been handed hefty sentences when they appeared before the Stilfontein Regional Court on 31 March 2023.
Illegal miners arrested
It was alleged that the pair were part of a group of illegal miners who were reportedly planning a turf war at Buffelsfontein mine in Stilfontein.
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They were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation and the District Illegal Mining Task Team in 2020 at the mine, where the illegal miners were in possession of an AK47 rifle, Glock pistol and ammunition.
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Sentences to be served
Sechaba was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment for possession of a prohibited firearm, five years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition and three months’ imprisonment for being an illegal immigrant. He will therefore serve an effective 20 years’ imprisonment.
Meanwhile, Matladi was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment for possession of an unlicensed firearm, three years’ imprisonment for possession of ammunition and three months’ imprisonment for being an illegal immigrant. He will therefore serve an effective 15 years’ imprisonment.
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The police say their ongoing disruptive operations against illegal mining continue to yield positive results. This is evident in the latest arrest of zamma’s the police have arrested in the past few months. Members of the community are urged to help the police in stopping such crimes.
HOW TO REPORT A CRIME TO THE POLICE
- When you have been a victim of a crime or have witnessed a crime, you can contact the police by dialling 10111.
- Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MySAPS App.
- Callers may opt to remain anonymous.
- The South African Police Service offers witness protection.
