NORTH WEST – Magdeline Chengeta (52) appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court this morning, 19 July 2023, following her arrest on Tuesday,18 July 2023 by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation assisted by members of Bafokeng Public Order Policing (POP), Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Department of Mineral Recourses and Energy (DMRE) for alleged illegal mining.
The team was following up on information regarding alleged illegal mining activities at a farm in Rustenburg. Upon arrival at the site, they allegedly found people mining chrome. When asked to produce mining permits, the individuals indicated that the accused was in possession of the mining permit. Investigation revealed that the accused was using a permit which does not belong to her. Members of the DMRE confirmed that the accused was unauthorised to mine at that particular site, resulting in her arrest.
Chengeta was charged with contravention of Section 24 of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998. She was released on R5000 bail and the matter was postponed to 17 August 2023 for further investigation.