Suspected illegal miner remanded in custody for possession of firearms
A 30-year-old man was remanded in custody by the Secunda Magistrate's Court on Monday, for possession of firearms and ammunition without a licence.
NELSPRUIT – Jufe Sepere’s appearance comes after he was arrested by members of the South African Police Service at Secunda in the morning on Friday, 26 January 2019 at about 05:30.
Information at police disposal revealed that the Sepere, who is suspected to be involved in the infamous illegal mining practice that is rife in the area, was arrested by two members who were on their way to work when they spotted two men walking next to the road, carrying a big blue bag.
The officers stopped in order to search them when one immediately fled upon seeing the dedicated men in blue approaching while the other (Sepere) was stunned.
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“They searched the bag and found two R4 rifles with serial numbers filed off, two magazines, 57 rounds of ammunition, a couple of tins of fish believed to be part of their staple diet when underground doing illegal mining. He was then arrested, hence his court appearance yesterday,” said police spokesperson, Col. Mtsholi Bhembe.
Police confirmed that Sepere was remanded in custody and will appear again in the same court on February 04, 2019.
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Bhembe said police are currently looking for the other man who ran away and are hereby making an appeal to the community for information that may lead to his capture as well as others involved in the illicit practice of zamazamas, as the practice of illegal mining is referred to in the country.
Anyone with information may contact Capt Victor Dibakoane at 079 2680 040 or the SAPS Crime Stop number, 08600 10111.
