MPUMALANGA – Freddie Jacobs (34) was found guilty and sentenced by the Barberton Regional Court on Tuesday,15 March 2022 for Corruption. The accused was sentenced to Twenty thousand rand(R20 000.00) fine of which ten thousand rand (10 000.00) had to be paid on Tuesday, 15 March 2022 and the other ten thousand rand to be paid on instalments, R1000.00 per month until it is paid up in June 2022 or serve 3 years imprisonment . He was further sentenced to five years imprisonment which is suspended for five years on condition that he is not convicted on Corruption committed during the period of suspension.
On 25 November 2020, a multipronged operation executed by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Mpumalanga, Crime Intelligence, Tactical Response Team, Technical unit and SSG security service at Barberton Puma Filling station on R40 following the information about a person who is protecting illegal miners to enter into the mine without being seen. The operation resulted from major investigation on illicit mining at Barberton gold mines.
Freddie Jacobs, a former SSG security company employee was arrested after receiving payment of R100 000, to offer protection and assist a group of 12 illegal miners to illegally enter Sheba mine to steal gold bearing material and come out safe without being arrested. The R100 000 was recovered in the suspect’s vehicle. Freddie was a negotiator and received R100 000 which was payable immediately the illegal miners were safe and out of the mine.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Mpumalanga, Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcomed the sentence and applauded the team for a multidisciplinary approach and judiciary for the verdict handed over to the accused which will send a message to other suspects who are still performing similar activities. She issued a stern warning to those intrusted with responsibility of safe guarding the precious metals of the country to be faithful to their responsibilities as expected or face the full might of the law.
