Notorious former convicts Kenny Kunene and Gayton McKenzie are being investigated for their role in the defrauding of Sowetans in a mining deal.

Central Rand Gold has been temporarily allowed to resume operations after its mining licence was cancelled last month.

Kenny Kunene and Gayton McKenzie are not co-owners or directors of Central Rand Gold but own "an insignificant holding", the embattled company says.

Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu has cancelled mining rights for top businessman Kenny Kunene’s Central Rand Gold Mine.