By OBAKENG MAJE
Former Plant Manager of Sishen Iron Ore Company at Kolomela mine, Johan Breedt was sentenced for corruption by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crime Court on 19 September 2023. Breedt was arrested in December 2020 by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team, together with two other sentenced persons, Anthony Meyer, Theunes Burger and Burma Plant Hire.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said, that in April 2016, the Breedt nominated Burma Plant Hire to load and haul the final dense medium separation product to the plant production beds.
“The company was awarded a tender to work at Kolomela Mine for the period of July 2016 and July 2017. Between July 2016 and December 2016, the accused demanded monthly payments of R40 000 and gifts from Burma Plant Hire to ensure that the company continued to get work at the mine.
“The accused, through his unlawful activities, benefitted R627 370 in cash and gifts from the company. On 3 July 2023, he pleaded guilty to 12 counts of corruption and 10 counts of money laundering. He was sentenced to 3 years’ correctional supervision on all counts of corruption and money laundering,” said Mnisi.
She further said Breedt was further ordered to pay an amount of R627 320, which he unduly benefitted through his illegal activities. Mnisi added that, the case against Burma Plant Hire was remanded to 28 November 2023 for trial.
The Guardian 