Suspects, Patrick Siwela (68) and Beauty Siwela (66) as well as Kally Nyundu (31) and Liveit Nkuna (26) are expected to make their second court appearance at Sabie on charges of being in possession of suspected stolen diesel after appearing at the Sabie Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 12 March 2024, the same day they were apprehended.

The quartet, driving in a white Toyota Light Delivery Vehicle was cornered when the team, comprising of different disciplines, stopped the said bakkie on the R37 Road.

Thereafter the vehicle was searched and it was during this period when the astute members discovered that the car was loaded with about 215 litres of diesel contained inside seven containers of 25 litres as well as inside two containers of 20 litres.

The suspects could not provide proof of purchase or ownership for the diesel hence they were charged for possession of suspected stolen property. 

During their court appearance, they were granted bail of R500 each.

The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, has commended members for their commitment in clamping down on illegal mining. “We have discovered that generators are some of the equipments used in illegal mining. Our members are really working tirelessly to destabilize these illegal mining operations and effecting arrests, whilst confiscating such items from suspects, ” said the General.