The apprehended vehicle
By Kopano Dibakwane
A elderly couple, Patrick Siwela(68) and Beauty Siwela(66), alongside two other suspects identified as Kally Nyundu(31) and Liveit Nkuna(26), were arrested at Sabie and charged for being in possession of stolen diesel.
The arrest was reportedly part of a police operation led by a Task Team called ‘Vala Mgodi’, which is mandated to clamp down on illegal mining.
According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli, the four suspects are expected to make their second court appearance at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 15 March 2024, after appearing at the same court on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, the same day they were apprehended and they were granted bail of R500 each.
“ The quartet, driving in a white Toyota Light Delivery Vehicle bakkie was cornered when the team, comprising of different disciplines, stopped the said bakkie on the R37 Road. The vehicle was searched and the astute members discovered that the car was loaded with about 215 litres of diesel contained inside seven containers of 25 litres as well as inside two containers of 20 litres,”
“ The suspects could not provide proof of purchase or ownership for the diesel hence they were charged for possession of suspected stolen property,” said Mdhluli.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, commended the SAPS(South African Police Service) members for their commitment in clamping down on illegal mining.
“We have discovered that generators are some of the equipments used in illegal mining. Our members are really working tirelessly to destabilise these illegal mining operations and effecting arrests, whilst confiscating such items from suspects, ” said Manamela.
