Mine Operator, Son and Security in Court

Ledig/ Rustenburg – A major breakthrough has been made in the ongoing battle against violent crime in the chrome mining sector around Tlhatlaganyane. Nine suspects, including a 54-year-old woman alleged to be a mine operator, her 20-year-old son, and several alleged security enforcers from KwaZulu-Natal, appeared before the Mogwase Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 4 September 2025.

The suspects face a string of charges, including kidnapping, murder, assault, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property. Their arrest follows the killing of five men at an open-cast chrome mine in Tlhatlaganyane on Tuesday, 2 September 2025.

The arrests were carried out by a multidisciplinary team comprising Provincial Murder and Robbery detectives, Crime Intelligence, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), and Sun City Detectives. This task team was established by the Acting Provincial Commissioner after escalating violence in the area. Police confirmed that two of the accused were also linked to a separate case in Sun City in August 2025, where charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property were reported.

In their first appearance, the following accused were charged with kidnapping and murder: Mpho Stella Pooe (54), Phenyo Pooe (20), Sibusiso Sanction Ngcongo (50), Flatela Bulelani (38), Thabo Gone (28), Enock Bhekithemba Mbatha (41), Swelihle Mphamiseni Shezi (30), and Thulani Thembela Latsha (43). The case was postponed for further investigations and bail applications.

In a second case involving attempted murder, kidnapping, and malicious damage to property, three accused – Tiyiselane Tiisetso Chabalala (34), Phenyo Pooe (20), and Sibusiso Sanction Ngcongo (50) – were also remanded in custody.

Acting provincial commissioner, major general Patrick Asaneng, praised the swift work of the investigation team.

Authorities have urged community members to report any incidents of extortion or illegal mining activities to the dedicated hotline: 0800 911011.