FRANCISTOWN: Two Zimbabwean men Peter Sibanda, 32, and Prince Mlalazi, 29, who had been arrested for engaging in illicit gold mining and prospecting without a licence, have pleaded guilty to the charges.
The duo was arraigned before the Francistown Magistrate's Court today (Tuesday).
According to court documents, on counts one and two respectively, Sibanda and Mlalazi unlawfully entered Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry and stayed on dates unknown to the prosecution at or near Matsiloje village in the Northern Administration District of the Republic of Botswana. On the third count, both Sibanda and Mlalazi on or about January 12, 2025, at or around 11:50am at or near Lewis Alberts Farm in Matsiloje village, acting jointly with the common purpose being persons authorised, licensed, or exempted under this act, were found mining at the said farm.
Additionally, the pair was found in possession of explosives on the fourth count, including three Sino blast gels suspected to be explosives and four green detonator cables.
Sibanda and Mlalazi both pleaded guilty to all of the aforementioned offences when questioned regarding their plea. Principal Magistrate Tshepo Magetse asked about the accused’s well-being and whether they were injured or hurt in any way and in response, the two said they were fine. Since the two pleaded guilty to all counts, Magetse remanded them in custody. They are scheduled to return tomorrow (Wednesday) for a facts reading.
According to court documents, on counts one and two respectively, Sibanda and Mlalazi unlawfully entered Botswana through an ungazetted point of entry and stayed on dates unknown to the prosecution at or near Matsiloje village in the Northern Administration District of the Republic of Botswana. On the third count, both Sibanda and Mlalazi on or about January 12, 2025, at or around 11:50am at or near Lewis Alberts Farm in Matsiloje village, acting jointly with the common purpose being persons authorised, licensed, or exempted under this act, were found mining at the said farm.
Additionally, the pair was found in possession of explosives on the fourth count, including three Sino blast gels suspected to be explosives and four green detonator cables.
Sibanda and Mlalazi both pleaded guilty to all of the aforementioned offences when questioned regarding their plea. Principal Magistrate Tshepo Magetse asked about the accused’s well-being and whether they were injured or hurt in any way and in response, the two said they were fine. Since the two pleaded guilty to all counts, Magetse remanded them in custody. They are scheduled to return tomorrow (Wednesday) for a facts reading.
