By Nokunceda Magagula
LiSwati is confronting criminal charges in South Africa following allegations of attempting to smuggle green chert stones through the Bulembu border.
The incident occurred around noon on Friday, January 5, 2024. Sources revealed that the suspect, the only occupant of a Ford Ranger, was apprehended by South African border police. They recovered a precious stone weighing approximately 1,000 kg, with an estimated street value of E35 000.
The green chert stone was reportedly loaded at the base of the 38-year-old suspect’s vehicle, covered only by a canvas sail. He did not declare his luggage and further failed to produce a permit to possess the mined product. This consequently resulted in his immediate arrest.
The man is expected to appear at the Barberton Magistrate’s court on Monday, January 8, 2024, for illegal possession of precious metal. The incident was confirmed by Mpumalanga South African Police Service Spokesperson Brigadier Selvy Mohlala.
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It is worth noting that in December 2023, investigations into the theft and illegal sale of green chert led to the arrest of two police officers who are now facing a charge of corruption.
The two police officers, Constable Mancoba Peter Vilakati (40), who is based at Pigg’s Peak Police Station and Sergeant Bakhona Nick Moyane, who works under the Royal Residence Protection Unit, were arrested by their colleagues from the Organised Crime Unit.
They were subsequently detained at the Mbabane Police Station and they made their first court appearance at the Mbabane Magistrates Court on December 21, 2023.
It was established that investigations by the police unearthed that the two police officers took the green chert from suspects, but instead of taking it to the police station, they allegedly hid it at a certain homestead and later solicited a buyer. The police officers are alleged to have not arrested the suspects after taking the green chert from them.
It is alleged that it was after they had secured a buyer, who was a foreigner, around Ezulwini, that they allegedly organised people to go and fetch the Green Chert from the homestead where they were hiding it.
After collecting it, the transporters are said to have proceeded to deliver it to the potential buyer. They were, however, caught by the police around Mvutjini while on their way to deliver the consignment to the waiting buyer.
Upon being arrested by the police at Mvutjini, the transporters then revealed that they had allegedly been sent by the accused persons Vilakati and Moyane, to go and deliver the consignment to a Chinese businessperson around Ezulwini.
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They now stand accused of having contravened Section 21(2) (a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006. This section provides that: “A public officer who, whether in Eswatini or elsewhere, solicits or accepts any advantage as an inducement to or reward for or otherwise on an account of the public officer commits an offence.”
“The accused persons are charged with the offence of contravening Section 21(2) (a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 2006, in that upon or about July 30, 2023, near Luhlangotsini/Eluswekweni in the Hhohho Region, acting jointly in furtherance of a common purpose, unlawfully solicited an advantage as an inducement in the performance of their duties as police officers,” reads part of the charge sheet.
Reports reveal that the illegal mining of the green stone is rampant around Malolotja Nature Reserve, where abundant mountains hold this coveted resource. Thieves engage in stealing stones in 30-kilogram loads per person, with reports indicating they can pilfer up to a tonne daily. The illicit activity is fueled by a payout of approximately E20 per kilogram, creating an incentive for this environmentally damaging practice that threatens the integrity of the reserve.
Nestled near the South African border, the mountains conceal coveted stones. Illicit miners exploit these riches, extracting and smuggling the rocks into SA.
Green chert is a high-quality variety of Quartz, that serves various purposes, from crafting artefacts and jewellery to construction. This polished rock finds its way into jewellery-making, showcasing its aesthetic appeal.
Additionally, it’s utilized in paving projects by discerning property owners seeking a touch of sophistication. Its versatility extends across industries, making it a prized material for both functional and ornamental applications.
