By REGINALD KANYANE
14 December 2024- Nineteen illegal miners were sentenced to two years imprisonment by the Stilfontein Magistrate’s Court on 11 December 2024. The convicts comprise of 14 Lesotho, 4 Mozambique and 1 Zimbabwe undocumented foreign nationals aged between 20 and 40.
The North West police spokesperson, Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said each of the convicts was sentenced to 24 months imprisonment, which is wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused person is not convicted for contravention of Section 5A of Act 28 of 2008 read with Section 1, illegal mining committed during the period of suspension.
“In addition, each accused person was sentenced to six months imprisonment or a fine of R6000, which is wholly suspended for the period of five years on condition that the accused person is not convicted for contravention of Section 49(1)(a) read with section 1, 9(3) & (4) of Act No. 13 of 2002 (illegal immigrant – illegal entry) committed during the period of suspension,” he said.
Mokgwabone further said the accused are part of scores of illegal miners arrested in November 2024, after resurfacing at Margaret Shaft, in Stilfontein. He added that the Vala Umgodi operations in the province continue to assert the authority of the state.
“Meanwhile, the Department of Home Affairs is currently processing the convicts for deportation. The sentencing shows that the integrated and relentless efforts to fight illegal mining were strengthened,” said Mokgwabone.
The Guardian 