The Star reports that eighty-seven illegal miners, who were arrested at Shaft 2 in Orkney on 20 October 2021, have been sentenced to a combined 696 years of imprisonment.
The illegal miners were arrested during an intelligence-driven operation led by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, assisted by the Special Task Force and the District Illicit Mining Task Team. NPA regional spokesperson for the North West Henry Mamothame advised: “The operation was the culmination of months of surveillance after the illegal miners took control of a dormant shaft. During the operation, a shoot-out ensued between the police and the illegal miners, resulting in six illegal miners being fatally wounded and eight others being injured. Illegal mining paraphernalia, gold-bearing material, two mini buses, 11 firearms (three shotguns, four pistols, three rifles and one revolver), about 4000 cartridges of ammunition and bags of food were seized.” All of the accused, who had been in custody since their arrest, pleaded guilty on 28 March to charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances and were each sentenced to eight years direct imprisonment.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Lehlohonolo Mashigo at The Star
- Lees ook, 87 myners van Orkney sal saam 700 jaar sit, by Maroela Media
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