One of six alleged illegal mining kingpins obtained SA ID fraudulently

One of the six alleged illegal mining kingpins arrested on October 4 during a massive police operation in Khutsong and Carletonville had obtained his South African Identity Document (ID) fraudulently.

Also read: Alleged illegal mining kingpins remanded in custody

This is according to Department of Home Affairs immigration officer Mothusi Letsogo who was speaking at the Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court in Carletonville on October 19 during the suspect’s bail application.

Also read: Handful of suspected illegal-mining kingpins arrested

Eric Dumisani Moyo claimed in his bail affidavit that he was born in Welkom and attended both primary and high schools in the area, a claim which was later lambasted.

Letsogo told the court that he had been investigating Moyo for some time and that Moyo lied in his affidavit.

Moyo alleged to have been born at Bongani Hospital in Welkom in 1987, a contradiction to the fact the hospital first opened its doors in 1993. He also told the court that the two schools in Welkom that Moyo claimed to have attended, denied enrolling him at their facilities.

Moyo, who is said to be in possession of a passport, was presented to be a flight risk. Five other suspects abandoned bail on the day. The State told the court that some of the men had given false names at their arrests.

The six accused are facing charges ranging from fraud and money laundering as well as the contravention of The Precious Metals Act. They have been accused of buying gold-bearing material from illegal miners, and subsequently processing and reselling it. Police seized 14 high-performance vehicles and a truck during their arrests.

They will appear in court again on Thursday, October 27.