Nine suspects are due to appear before the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng today, after their arrest for the alleged illegal possession and dealing of precious metals, the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) said.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) team arrested two women and seven men at a property in Greenstone on Tuesday, 8 September. This after the team received intelligence regarding a foreign national allegedly trading in unwrought gold dust and nuggets sourced from illegal miners.
“A thorough search of the premises uncovered approximately 20 kilograms of palladium, 11 kilograms of osmium, and specialised machinery used to process unwrought gold. The total estimated value of the seized minerals and equipment stands at R23 million. All nine suspects were immediately arrested after failing to produce valid permits, licences, or company registration documents authorising them to trade or handle precious metals,” said the Hawks.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane, has commended the operational team for their swift and decisive action.
“This breakthrough is a significant blow to illegal mining value chains in the province. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities within their communities to law enforcement authorities,” Brigadier Mashwabane said.
The suspects face charges of contravening the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005. Ahead of their appearance on Thursday, the Hawks said investigations continue. – SAnews.gov.za
