Cheng Liang Tom Chen was sentenced to R80 000 or two years' imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to two counts of illegal mining. Chen was caught transporting chrome, without a permit, on 3 August 2022 - and was arrested with four other people. He was arrested after law enforcement agencies conducted an illegal mining disruptive operation at Zwartkop Zone 1 in the Northam area. ALSO READ | Station Strangler accused Norman Simons released on parole"The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects caught in the area transporting chrome without a permit. Chen was among the arrested suspects," said Maluleke.

Source: News 24 July 20, 2023 19:45 UTC