Picture: Illegal mining in South Africa/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
25 March 2026- Five men were arrested for alleged illegal mining. All five accused, Nicholus Donald Dibakwane (47), Adilso Makhukane (25), Raphael Makhatshwa (19), Alec Maswana (28), and Mebido Beto Makamo (20), are facing a charge of possession of unwrought precious metals, including gold and platinum, without the necessary authorisation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said Nicholus Donald Dibakwane (47) was granted bail of R25 000 by the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court. Mahanjana said Dibakwane’s four co-accused, Makhukane, Makhatshwa, Maswana and Makamo, who are foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique — abandoned their applications for bail.
“Dibakwane faces an additional charge of harbouring illegal immigrants, while his four co-accused are charged with contravening immigration laws by being in the country unlawfully.
“It is alleged that on 26 February 2026, members of the SAPS K9 Unit acted on information regarding an illegal refinery operating at a farm located at Plot 57, Skoolweg, Bultfontein, Hammanskraal,” she said.
Mahanjana further said upon arrival, the suspects fled the scene on foot. She added that the police managed to apprehend the four foreign nationals, while Dibakwane, the owner of the farm, handed himself over to police later that same day.
“In court, the state did not oppose Dibakwane’s release on bail, but requested that strict conditions be imposed. The court granted bail subject to conditions that he must not enter the farm premises, must surrender his passport to the investigating officer, must not dispose of any movable or immovable assets and must inform the investigating officer should he intend to travel outside Gauteng Province.
“The matter has been postponed to 20 May 2026 for further investigation. NPA remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining and related offences,” she said.
The Guardian 