Illegal miners were intercepted with unsleashed diamonds
Police in the Northern Cape have arrested five non-documented immigrants who are allegedly in possession of unsleashed diamonds while traveling on an R355 towards Portnoros in the Namakwa area, SABC News reports. The suspect was intercepted at Bakkie, which is believed to be transporting illegal miners from Nuttabooi. He was arrested on charges of illegal possession of diamonds and immigration violations in a search of the vehicle. The suspect was taken into custody and charged with possession of unsleashed diamonds and violating immigration laws. The arrest formed part of Operation Vara Umgodi, a strategic effort to tackle illegal mining in the state. In many cases, illegal mining related to organized crime syndicates is estimated to cost South Africa about R20 billion a year, with over 6,000 abandoned mines covering such activities.
Limpopo officials charged with murder after shooting at a tavern
Limpopo police have arrested a non-service officer after allegedly shooting a 24-year-old man outside a bar in Bakenberg following road debate, the IOL reports. Or, suspect Colonel Maresela Ledowaba, stationed at Tambo International Airport, was declared to have taken the victim to a local hospital where he was declared dead on his right cheek from a bullet wound. Preliminary investigations revealed that both men were driving their respective vehicles when the heated conflict continued leading to a fatal shooting. The officer’s official firearms have been confiscated and the case has been featured in an independent police Investigation Bureau. The suspect is being held at Tinmain Police Station and is expected to appear in Magistrate Mauwelen’s court on murder charges.
Another step back in Senzo Meyiwa trial as legal issues continue
The Pretoria High Court was expected to determine whether one of the defendants Muzi Sibiya, who died last December, would be followed by a legal representation after the death of his lawyer, Thulani Mngomezulu, in the Senzo Meyiwa trial last December. Supporters of Charles Minici, who took over the lawsuit, told the court that despite being allowed to postpone two months in preparation, he may not be ready to move forward. This followed multiple postponements, and Judge Ratha Mokgoatlheng silently admitted he was the final delay. Sibya is one of five men on trial for the 2014 murder of soccer star Senzo Meiwa in Bosloros, Garten.
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