R600m coal theft charges hit mining firm, directors

Liberty says 915105 tonnes of coal were illegally mined

- By Setumo Stone

A coal mining company and its directors have been accused of stealing more than R600-million worth of coal in a criminal case linked to alleged illegal mining in Mpumalanga in Hendrina.

In an affidavit, Liberty Coal director Ulrich Bester says he is laying charges of theft against junior coal miner Kego Mining, and its directors, Owen William Nelson and Kevin Patrick Nelson.

"I depose to this affidavit in support of criminal charges of theft to be laid against Mr Owen William Nelson... and Mr Kevin Patrick Nelson... as well as against the company... Kego Mining," Bester states.

The alleged illegal mining is said to have taken place on specific portions of the Klipbank mine area. The troubled Optimum Coal Mine, previously owned by the Guptas and subsequently taken over by Liberty Coal, is the holder of the mining right over the area in question.