Three suspected illegal miners in dock

Blessing Nhlabathi (44), Mbonisi Ncube (40) and Lethabo Dineo Tsima (30) are expected to appear in the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court for the second time today (Thursday) after they were arrested on charges relating to illegal mining at Modikwa on the weekend.
Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke indicated that the trio is facing charges of illegal mining of precious metal, possession of precious metal and defeating the ends of justice and already appeared in court on Monday. Tsima was then released on bail of R1 000 while Nhlabathi and Ncube remained in custody.
Their arrest followed an operation during which they were allegedly found mining at the shafts of an adjacent mine in the area. Equipment which include an excavator, stock piles of precious metals valued at more than R400 000 and a Mercedes-Benz were seized.

Story: RC Myburgh
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