The man and his alleged accomplice, aged 31, appeared briefly in the Rustenburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday morning, where the matter was postponed after accused number two changed his legal representative.
The pair were arrested earlier this month on charges of illegal mining, tampering with and damaging essential infrastructure, and possession of suspected stolen goods.
The men first appeared in court earlier this month following their arrest in the early hours of Thursday, 5 September, at a home in Nkandla Informal settlement near Sibanye Stillwater’s Khuseleka mine.
It’s alleged the 65-year-old homeowner, who lived in the house with his family, allowed illegal miners to access the Khuseleka mine shaft through a tunnel they dug out in one of the bedrooms. Â
Acting on a tip-off, law enforcement officers pounced on the suspects. However, some managed to escape through the same tunnel.
Police have not ruled out more arrests as investigations continue.
The accused are expected to apply for bail at their next court appearance on 6 December.
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