South Africa: Copper Cable Syndicate Convicted

18 May 2023
South African Police Service (Pretoria)
press release

Ernisto Siquque (34), Alfred Makamu (28), Edson Mbiza (31), Msindisi Mbeki(38) and Elvis Mathabela (21) were convicted before the Tlhabane Magistrates' court on 17 May 2023. It is alleged that on 21 July 202, the syndicate was found underground at Impala Platinum mine by members of Bidvest Protea Coin, with copper cable wrapped around their bodies.

They were arrested by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation and charged with tempering with essential infrastructure, theft of copper cable, trespassing and contravention of the Immigration Act.

The accused were each sentenced to five years direct imprisonment. Four accused, excluding Mbeki were additionally sentenced to twelve months imprisonment for contravention of the immigration act. They were further all declared unfit to possess firearms.

Read the original article on SAPS.

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