Mining execs in Praktiseer court for suspected stolen chrome worth over R20m
The case against the three men is expected to continue at the Burgersfort Regional Court from January 27 to 28.
Two mining executives, Gary (63) and Justin Mark Mitchell (31), appeared in the Praktiseer Magistrate’s Court on Monday, September 16.
The two were granted bail of R5 000 each, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen chrome. The matter was referred to the Burgersfort Regional Court from January 27 to 28.
The alleged illegal miners were arrested in Burgersfort on September 13, for being in possession of suspected stolen chrome valued at over R20m.
Limpopo Hawks’ spokesperson, Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the recent arrests follow geologist Jan Aucamp’s (64) by the Hawks at Triton Mineral Africa in Steelpoort on December 12, 2023. He was allegedly found in possession of piles of chrome valued at R20m inside the yard.
“The Hawks requested him to produce a permit for the possession of such an amount of chrome, but he could not. Aucamp was immediately arrested for the possession of suspected stolen chrome,” said Mmuroa.
The Hawks’ investigation further revealed that Aucamp was not the only one responsible for the recovered chrome. “The two other accused, Gary and Justin Mitchell, who reportedly held top positions at Triton Mineral Africa, were also linked. After the investigation, the case docket was referred to the Director of Public Prosecution for a decision. As a result, the warrants to arrest the suspects were issued,” added Mmuroa.
He said preliminary investigations established that the recovered chrome had been illegally mined from various mines in the Sekhukhune District Municipality.
According to the Hawks, Aucamp, who is also out on R5 000 bail, will join the other two accused in court in January.
The Limpopo Hawks’ head, General Gopz Govender, hailed the members for combatting illegal mining in the province. “Illegal mining is one of the most serious crimes, usually committed by organised criminals. When it comes to such crimes, as the Hawks, we are equal to the task,” he said.
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The Hawks’ operations aim to dismantle all scourges of illegal mining activities that are ongoing within Limpopo.
