Central SA
Alleged illegal miners back in NW court─── BLAINE JONES 07:17 Fri, 03 Dec 2021
The case against 87 suspects facing charges related to illegal mining, is due to commence on 19 January 2022 for further investigations and a regional court decision.
This follows their appearance before the Orkney Magistrates' Court. NPA spokesperson, Henry Mamothame, says owing to the serious nature of this case, the state has applied for it to be transferred to the regional court for trial.
The status verification of these miners were completed and it was established in their previous court appearance that all 87 had no legal documents to be in the country.
Their attorney indicated that they will not be applying for bail based on their illegal status in the country.
ALSO READ: Two shootouts leave several illegal miners dead in NW
The suspects are facing charges of attempted murder, illegal possession of prohibited firearms and ammunition, illegal possession of gold, theft and conspiracy to commit an offence.
"Police reports indicate that eight of the suspects were wounded and six fatally wounded during a shootout with members of the Special Task Force assisted by Hawks Organised Crime in North West, in an intelligence driven operation on Wednesday, 20 October 2021," says Mamothame.
OFM News earlier reported from the eight who were injured during the shootout two were under police guard receiving medical attention. The court proceeded in their absence.
ALSO READ: Suspected illegal miners in NW court on murder charges
Police reports revealed that from this operation, a number of items were discovered including two Mini-busses, Illegal mining paraphernalia, gold bearing material, eleven Illegal firearms ( 3 x shotguns, 3 x rifles, 4 x pistols and 1 x revolver) and bags of food.
The suspects will remain in police custody until their next court appearance.
OFM News