Mathale's wife in court

Kgohloane faces a possible R5 million fine or 10 years' imprisonment if found guilty of mining illegally.

The wife of former Limpopo premier Cassel Mathale and four others appeared in the Maake Magistrate's Court in Mpumalanga on Monday.

Mokgadi Kgohloane and her co-accused would be back in court on December 9, said Hawks spokesman Paul Ramaloko.

They were arrested earlier this year in connection with illegal mining in the Maake area.

The co-accused are Kgohloane's co-directors in the mining company Blue Platinum Ventures 16, that allegedly operated without a valid permit.

Kgohloane faces a possible R5 million fine or 10 years' imprisonment if found guilty of mining illegally.