ZiMoja updates on the latest crime news in parts of the country.
NORTH WEST: The police have confiscated materials from illegal miners in Stilfontein since the start of o the operation in December last year. According to police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, this includes over 640 kg of gold-bearing material, 6.2 kg of refined gold, explosives, firearms, and cash amounting to R52.49 million. The police have also rescued 84 illegal miners from Silfontein and retrieved 18 bodies yesterday. The police operation started on Monday after the arrival of the Mobile Rescue Winder crane at the scene, which the SAPS has been using to retrieve the zama zamas. Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said all 84 have been placed under arrest. Since the operation started on Monday, 216 alive miners have been rescued and 78 bodies have been retrieved. Mathe said over 1,576 illegal miners have been arrested before the extraction operation commenced on Monday. Those arrested include 997 Mozambicans, 427 Zimbabweans, 118 Basotho nationals, 21 South Africans, one Malawian and one Congolese. A whole 540 illegal miners are still in police custody. "A 121 illegal miners have already been deported, which include 80 Mozambicans, 30 Basotho nationals, 10 Zimbabweans, and one Malawian. 46 have already been found guilty of illegal mining, trespassing and contravening the Immigration Act. The court handed down a sentence of R120 00 or six months of wholly suspended imprisonment for five years on condition that they are not found guilty of similar crimes," Mathe said. The operation continues today.
EASTERN CAPE: The police in the Eastern Cape are offering a reward of R50,000 to anyone who can provide information that will lead to the arrest of suspects in the rape and robbery of five school girls last year. The girls, who have since passed their matric with bachelors pass, were allegedly robbed and raped in October last year at Khonqeni village, Xhongorha administrative area, in Bhityi in October. It's alleged that two unknown men forced their way into a rondavel where eight school girls were sleeping in October last year and robbed the girls of their cellphones and raped five of them. Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo said anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact investigating officers Captain Nomanjila at 082-697-5920 or Seargant. Danisa at 071-352-4727. They could also call the office telephone number 047-531-2135 or Crime Stop 086001-0111.
LIMPOPO: An awaiting prisoner who escaped from lawful police custody following a brief court appearance in Malamulele last week Friday has been re-arrested. Thembinkosi Gift Mabunda was arrested, yesterday at Mudavula village, outside Malamulele, following a tip-off from members of the community. Thembinkosi is facing multiple charges, including carjacking, rape and escape from lawful police custody.
