POLOKWANE – During November 2008, the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit apprehended Gobakwaoana Emmanuel Molokoane (33), Thapelo Tumela Kekana (34) and Peter Boy Tselane (37) during an operation in Northam, which was aimed at people who were dealing with mine explosives.
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According to provincial Hawks spokepserson, Captain Matimba Maluleke, the three suspects, who were employees of Platina Mine, were found in possession of mine explosives, stop fuses, connector capped fuses, powergel blasting cartridges, reefmaster shocktube assemblies and dura fuse connectors capped fuses.
‘The accused were released on a warning after their first appearance last year, but the court ordered that they be placed in detention during their trial until their sentencing,” he explained.
Molokoane was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years direct imprisonment for dealing, supplying, possession and theft of explosives, Kekana was sentenced to 30 years on the same charges whilst Tselanyane received a 15 year sentence for theft of explosives.
Maluleke says the sentencing comes at the time when the province and the country is experiencing an upsurge in cash in transit heists and commercial explosives are reportedly being used in a commission of these serious crimes.
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“It is hoped that the sentences will send a strong message that joint police efforts are yielding excellent results in ensuring that those are involved in the illegal supply of explosives go to jail for a very long time,’ he concluded.
