By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
Two illegal immigrants were convicted by Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court for unlawful possession of precious metals on 9 September 2022. Samuel Bandi (30) and Hardlife Makoto (28) were arrested by mine security guards outside the Rustenburg mine.
They were found to be in possession of platinum that they had stolen from the mining pipeline. The Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the Hawks were roped into the investigation.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Tlangelani Rikhotso said: “Both accused made their first appearance at the Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court, where they were remanded in custody owing to their illegal status in the country.
“They then made a series of court appearances until they were each sentenced to seven years’ direct imprisonment years for unlawful possession of precious metals, of which two years were suspended for five.”
Rikhotso said Makoto and Bandi were further sentenced to twelve months’ direct imprisonment for contravention of the Immigration Act. She said, therefore, convicts will each serve five years’ effective jail term.
The Guardian 