Mthobisi Sibusiso Zulu (44) and Dumsani Mshingamane Shongwe (30) appeared in the Elukwatini Magistrate’s Court on October 2 and 7 respectively, facing charges of illegal mining and contravention of the National Environmental Management Protected Areas Act.
According to the Hawks’ spokesperson, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, some rangers were patrolling around the Makhonjwa Mountains World Heritage Site on February 9 when they discovered two men chipping away at a rock containing a precious metal, greenstone.
The suspects’ were found to be the owners of a company that was identified as Mpetha Multiple Projects Experts (Pty) Ltd.
“It was also established there was an illegal road construction, which acted as a bridge to the rocks. The operation was stopped by the rangers and a docket was opened at the Ekulindeni Police Station for further investigation. The suspects’ were found to be the owners of a company that was identified as Mpetha Multiple Projects Experts (Pty) Ltd. The case was transferred to the Secunda Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Unit for further investigation,” said Sekgotodi.
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During the subsequent investigation, it was found the mining company did not have any permission to mine on the heritage site. They had hired two excavators from Ikotwe Plant Hire, where the investigating officer obtained a witness statement and receipts of payments amounting to almost R57 000.
The investigation was finalised and the matter referred to court. A warrant of arrest was authorised and served on Zulu on October 1, who appeared in court the next day. He was released on bail and the case was postponed to November 7. Shongwe was arrested on October 7 and appeared in court later that day, and was also released on bail. The case was also postponed to November 7 for further investigation.
