Minor pleads guilty to illegal gold mining
Lebogang Mosikare | Wednesday August 2, 2023 15:28
According to the charge sheet Khetas Sibanda, 16, Kelvin Maposa, 43, Matshidza Sibanda, 33, and Kholwani Sibanda, 39, are charged with illegal mining of minerals.
The particulars of the offence are that, on or about July 26 at or near Rainbow Mine in Matsiloje, acting together with a common purpose, were unlawfully found with mineral deposits.
Secondly, the trio is charged with unlawful possession of unwrought precious metals.
Furthermore, the particulars of the offence state that Phahlula Sibanda, Khetas Sibanda, Kholwani Sibanda on or about July 26 at or near Rainbow Mine near Matsiloje, being persons not authorised nor licensed to possess unwrought precious metals were found in possession of some stones suspected to be gold. Thirdly, the quartet is singularly charged with entering Botswana through an illegal point of entry during dates unknown to the prosecution. The state has also levied a charge of unlawful possession of explosives against Dube Khumbulani.
Also the particulars of the offence reflect that, on or about July 26 at or near Rainbow Mine near Matsiloje, Khumbulani being a person not authorised nor licensed to possess explosives was found in possession of gels suspected to be explosives. The accused have pleaded guilty to the respective charges levied against them. Facts will be read to the accused on September 5. Thabiso Leinane from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) represented the state.