| Accused sentenced for possession of platinum | |
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| Date Published: | 2023/06/13 |
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Media Statement NORTH WEST – Andrew Phato (52) was convicted for possession of platinum when he appeared before Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court on 13 June 2023. The accused was arrested on 26 October 2020 by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation after he was spotted by members of Bidvest Protea Coin while loading platinum. Upon the realisation that he had been spotted, the accused fled on foot, leaving behind the bags containing platinum material. A chase ensued and the suspect was apprehended. He subsequently appeared before Tlhabane Magistrate’s Court, where he faced a charge of possession of platinum. He made a series of court appearances until he was sentenced to six years direct imprisonment, of which half of the sentence was suspended for five years. He will therefore serve an effective three years imprisonment. The Provincial Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation - Major General Patrick Mbotho, lauded the efforts of the investigator and the prosecutor who worked on the case. Ends
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