By BAKANG MOKOTO
Four suspects were arrested for possession of gold bearing material in Tlhatlaganyane. The suspects were arrested separately during integrated Operation Vala Umgodi on 6 and 8 July 2024 in Tlhatlaganyane village and Rustenburg respectively.
Two of the four suspects were nabbed in Tlhatlaganyane for possession of gold bearing material. Biology Maphorisa (33) and Ishmael Dube (20), who are both Zimbabwean foreign nationals, briefly appeared in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said the accused were remanded in custody until 16 July 2024, for bail application. Mokgwabone said the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) is investigating the matter.
“In another incident, Galenkwane Ralenkwane (35) was found guilty for contravention of the Immigration Act, 2002, on appearance in the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on 9 July 2024. Ralenkwane, who is from Lesotho, was sentenced to 30 days imprisonment or pay R1500 fine.
“Chistopher Lentswe (41) briefly appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court for unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition following his arrest on 7 July 2024. Lentswe was remanded in custody until 16 July 2024, for bail application,” he said.
Mokgwabone said the accused is further linked with a case of robbery committed in Rustenburg in May 2024. He added that during the operations, the police seized illegal mining equipment such as motors, generators, spades and extension cords.
Meanwhile, the North West Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, welcomed the arrests and thanked the police for their continued efforts in the fight against illicit activities.
The Guardian 