Free State- The National Head of the Directorate For Priority Crime Investigation (HAWKS) Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza has hailed the conviction of 22 illegal miners by the Virginia High Court on Monday, hailing the decision as a landmark moment in the fight against illegal mining in the country.
The court will on Tuesday, commence with mitigating and aggravating arguments for sentencing.
Among those multiple charges on which they were found guilty, includes racketeering, money laundering, Contravention of the Precious Metals Act and the Criminal Procedure Act. They were also charged for trespassing and Immigration Act as well as theft worth a grand total of over R120 million.
Lieutenant General Ntlemeza welcomed the conviction passed on the miners and praised the members and everyone involved.
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