Foreign illegal miner gets five years

Police hopes the conviction will act as a deterrent.

Colonel Mbangwa Nkhwashu, station commander of the Bekkersdal Police applauded Detective Thembinkosi Mapoloba, the investigating officer for an outstanding job.

Convicted illegal miner, Sithole Lovemore, 30, has been sentenced to five years and two months’ imprisonment.

According to Sergeant Linkie Lefakane, spokesperson for the Bekkersdal Police, Lovemore was allegedly illegally underground at a Westonaria mine and surfaced as a result of hunger.

When he surfaced, he was confronted by mine security officers who demanded to see his clock card after noticing he was not wearing protective clothing.

He allegedly confessed that he was an illegal miner and was arrested and charged with trespassing and illegal mining.

It was later discovered that Lovemore was in the country illegally as well.

Lovemore was found guilty on both charges. He was sentenced to five years for trespassing. He received a sentence of a further two months’ imprisonment, for illegal mining.

Colonel Mbangwa Nkhwashu, station commander of the Bekkersdal Police said Detective Constable Thembinkosi Mapoloba did an outstanding job with the investigation. He hopes the conviction will deter others from committing similar crimes.

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