Africa-Press – Botswana. Illegal mining continues to plague Matsiloje, with new arrests reported weekly. Despite ongoing efforts, the issue shows no signs of abating.
Last week, four Zimbabwean nationals were fined P3,000 each for illegal mining at the Old Matsiloje Mines.
On Wednesday, 32-year-old Zimbabwean national Ngwenya Mungameli was apprehended by soldiers at the same mines while digging for gold.
Mungameli appeared before the Francistown Magistrates’ Court today with a bandaged head, having sustained injuries while exiting a mine shaft.
He faced two charges: illegal entry into Botswana and illegal mining. After the charge sheet was read, Mungameli pleaded guilty to both counts.
State Prosecutor Semaseko Pelotshwana requested a postponement for the reading of the facts, stating he was not yet prepared.
“We request that the accused be remanded in custody, as he lacks travel documents and may flee if granted bail,” the prosecutor said.
The court granted the prosecutor’s request, and Mungameli was remanded in custody. He is scheduled to reappear in court on October 14, 2025, for the reading of the facts.
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