GEOLOGIST APPEARED IN COURT FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF CHROME WORTH OVER R20 MILLION
LIMPOPO – Jan Aucamp (63) appeared before the Praktiseer District Court today, 13 December 2023 for unlawful possession of chrome.
On 12 December 2023, members from Polokwane Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with SAPS- Sekhukhune District, Local Criminal Record Centre, South African National Defence Force and SSG security company conducted an intelligence-driven illegal mining disruptive operation at Steelpoort in Burgersfort.
Acting on intelligence, members of the team pounced on the accused at Steelpoort Triton Chrome storage and found chrome stockpiles with the estimated value of over R20 million stored on the yard. The accused was asked to produce a permit to be in possession of the chrome stockpiles but he failed and he was subsequently arrested.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused is a geologist by profession.
The accused was remanded in custody until 19 December 2023 for formal bail application.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province Major General Gopz Govender has issued a stern warning against illegal miners that the Hawks will deal with them irrespective of their status.
