Rustenburg – Crime accused 43-year-old Aubrey Loeto and 37-year-old Thys Monchusi appeared in the Bafokeng Magistrate’s Court, North West, in connection with the theft of catalytic converters worth more than a million rand from Impala Platinum Mine (Implats).
However, the matter was adjourned until 23 June 2023 for a formal bail application.
Both suspects were remanded in custody.
Loeto is said to be employed by Bidvest Coin Security as a security officer, while Monchusi is an employee of Impala Platinum Mine.
The state said it intends to oppose their bail application.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) North West Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the suspects were facing three provisional charges of tampering with essential infrastructure, theft, and gangsterism.
Narrating events leading to the arrest of Leote and Monchusi, NPA Spokesperson Mamothame said on 15 June 2023, Rustenburg Organised Crime unit received information from Bidvest Protea Coin Security about one of their vehicles being spotted, heavily loaded with catalytic converters leaving the Impala Platinum Mine.
“The police tracked the vehicle’s movement, and it led them to a house in the Lemenong section in Phokeng,” said Mamothame.
“The owner subsequently permitted them to search, and they discovered the suspected catalytic converters valued at approximately R1.7 million in a shack said to be rented out to a suspect who is still at large.
“Monchusi was arrested on scene, while Loeto was traced and found at Boitekong and subsequently returned to where the stolen goods were stored, where he confirmed that the goods were stolen from the Platinum mine.”
Mamothame said the arrested duo revealed that there was a third person linked to the crime.
“The two will remain in police custody until their next court appearance, while the search for the third suspect continues,” Mamothame said.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr. Rachel Makhari together with the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, lauded the collaboration of the police, prosecution, and the mine security for the swift apprehension and court appearance of the suspects.
