Bidvest Coin security officer and Impala platinum miner appeared in court for possession of stolen property worth R1,7 million

News South Africa

Tebogo Msimanga |

The Bafokeng Magistrates’ Court postponed a case against Aubrey Loeto (43) and Thys Monchusi (37), to 23 June 2023 for a formal bail application. The two are facing three provisional charges of tampering with essential infrastructure, theft, and gangsterism. Loeto is said to be employed by Bidvest Coin Security as a security officer, while Monchusi is an employee of Impala Platinum Mine.

North West National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Spokesperson Henry Mamothame said the state intends to oppose their bail application.

Their court appearance emanates from an incident that occurred on 15 June 2023, wherein members of the Rustenburg Organised Crime unit received information from Bidvest Protea Coin Security about one of their vehicle 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. 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.

The duo further confirmed that a third person who is their ally is linked to the crime. The two will remain in police custody until their next court appearance, while the search for the third suspect continues.

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