Trynos Masotsha and Hungwe Tapiwa were sentenced to five years direct imprisonment when they appeared before Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 26 May 2023 for possession of unwrought precious metals. The pair was arrested by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation on 11 February 2022, after they were found by officials from Minpro Impala Mine in possession of bags containing stolen platinum bearing material. The pair was reportedly spotted on the CCTV cameras whilst stealing the platinum material from the mine.
Both accused were remanded in custody after their first appearance, owing to their illegal status in the country. They made a series of court appearance until they were each sentenced to five years direct imprisonment for possession of unwrought precious metals and twelve months imprisonment for being illegal immigrants. The sentences will run concurrently. In addition, they were declared unfit to possess firearms.
The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho lauded the wonderful work by the investigator and Prosecutor who worked on the case.
Source: South African Police Service