Tebogo Msimanga |
Three men are expected to appear before the Westonaria Magistrates Court on Monday 19 April 2021 on charges of dealing in illicit gold manufacturing with an estimated street value of R2 million.
A multi-disciplinary approach driven operation by Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Krugersdorp and Sibanye Stillwater was conducted last week Thursday where three suspects were apprehended for illicit gold manufacturing operations.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said the team successfully identified the suspected premises where the illegal gold manufacturing operations were conducted and kept surveillance. “Upon arrival at Ten Acres plot in Westonaria to execute a search warrant, the investigation team intercepted and dismantled two full capacity for gold manufacturing operations.Three men aged 18, 20, and 28 were found busy with operations at the manufacturing sites and apprehended.”
Mulamu added that Police seized fifty tonnes of gold-bearing material, electrical motors, gas cylinders, crucibles, and other chemicals.
Provincial Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commended the members’ efforts in clamping down and dismantling illicit operations which may cause social-economic such as fatalities, injuries, and low production in the country.
