Five men accused of operating an illegal mining refinery in Hammanskraal have appeared before the Pretoria North Magistrate’s Court, where one was granted bail while four others abandoned their applications.

Nicholus Donald Dibakwane (47) was released on bail of R25,000, while his co-accused – Adilso Makhukane (25), Raphael Makhatshwa (19), Alec Maswana (28), and Mebido Beto Makamo (20) – elected not to proceed with bail. The four are foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique and remain in custody.

All five face a charge of possession of unwrought precious metals, including gold and platinum, without the required authorisation. Dibakwane, the owner of the farm where the alleged operation took place, also faces an additional charge of harbouring illegal immigrants. His co-accused are charged with contravening immigration laws.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), members of the K9 Unit acted on intelligence on 26 February 2026 about a suspected illegal refinery operating at a property in Bultfontein, Hammanskraal.

Police said that upon arrival at the premises, the suspects fled on foot. Officers managed to apprehend the four foreign nationals at the scene, while Dibakwane later handed himself over to authorities on the same day.

In court, the State did not oppose Dibakwane’s release on bail but requested strict conditions. The court ordered that he may not return to the farm, must surrender his passport to the investigating officer, and is prohibited from disposing of any assets. He is also required to inform authorities should he intend to travel outside Gauteng.

The case has been postponed to 20 May 2026 for further investigation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said it remains committed to working with law enforcement agencies to tackle illegal mining and related crimes, which continue to pose a significant challenge in parts of the country.