P1,000 fine, jail time for illegal gold miner

Keith Banda, landed in trouble after he was found in possession of unwrought precious metals, gold, at Tachila Farms on December 9. When sentencing Banda, Magistrate Thapelo Buang indicated that the practice of illegal gold mining threatens the country’s economic interests. When passing sentence, Buang said that the sentence should take into account the offence committed and the interests of society.

“I have noted that the accused pleaded guilty to the offence of his own volition. I have also noted that the accused pleaded guilty to the offence which is a sign of remorse on his part. I also take into consideration that you are the breadwinner of your family and that you are a youthful person aged 26. The law allows that a first offender should be spared jail if circumstances allow. I have also noted that you have learnt something from the period you spent in jail. The punishment meted out by the courts should fit the nature and gravity of the offence,” said Buang. Buang added offences of illegal gold mining and entering Botswana illegally are prevalent in this jurisdiction.