MINE WORKER SENTENCED TO 17 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR UNLAWFUL POSSESSION PLATINUM
LIMPOPO – Donald Jeffrey Maluleke was found guilty for unlawful possession of platinum group metal and sentenced to 17 years direct imprisonment by the Thabazimbi Magistrates’ Court on 27 February 2024.
On 23 January 2015, the accused who was employed (mine worker) at Amandebult mine was caught by the mine security in possession of platinum group metal. The accused failed to produce a permit to be in possession of the mineral and he was subsequently arrested.
The case was later transferred to the Polokwane based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation for further probe. During the trial, the case against the accused was provisionally withdrawn as he failed to pitch up on his scheduled court dates while out on bail.
On 16 November 2022, the accused was successfully traced, re-arrested and released on warning until he was sentenced as follows:
Count 1 – R35 000 or 10 years imprisonment
Count 2 – R15 000 or 2 years imprisonment and
Count 3- R10 000 or 5 years imprisonment.
“I am highly pleased with the sentence imposed and appreciate the extra effort put in by the investigating officer .As the Provincial Head, I highly compliments the investigating officer: Detective Sergeant Shipalana”, said the Provincial Head of the Hawks in Limpopo Province, Major General Gopz Govender
