ALLEGED illegal mining kingpins George Moyo (33), Justin Phiri (33), Jersey Matloung (72), Judith Phiri (33) and Mosimanegape Thomson Makgothi (51) appeared in the Mogwase Magistrates Court on Thursday, 17 November.
They were arrested by the Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation unit in Rustenburg, North West, on Wednesday and Thursday, 16 and 17 November.
The unit was assisted by members of the illegal mining task team, national intervention unit and Bidvest Protea coin security.
During the arrest, two cars, believed to have been obtained through the proceeds of crime, were seized for further investigation.
The suspects are facing charges of illegal mining, public violence, defeating the ends of justice and malicious damage to property.
Phiri was released on warning, Matloung and Makgothi on bail of R1 500 each, Moyo R500 and Phiri R1 000.
North West Hawks spokeswoman Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said the operation was a culmination of ongoing investigations into illegal mining.
It was a follow-up of a takedown operation that took place on 7 April, leading to the seizure of illegally mined Chrome worth more than R2 million and equipment (vehicles and excavators) worth about R100 million.
Samuel Saki Makhoti (68) and Andries Sekgobela (44) were arrested for illegal mining, and appeared in the same court on 11 April. They were released on R3 000 bail each. They will appear in court again on 24 November.
