| Hawks execute successful operation on Precious Metals Act | |
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| Date Published | |
| 2025/03/12 | |
| Details | |
Media Statement
MPUMALANGA - The Hawks in Mpumalanga has concluded a project aimed at addressing the smuggling of gold within the province. During a lengthy investigation, three targets were identified. On Wednesday, 12 March 2025, a takedown operation was conducted led by the Nelspruit based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. The operation’s focus was on search and seizure of nine premises identified to be belonging to the three identified targets. The multi-disciplinary team comprising of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Serious Commercial Crime Investigation, Serious Corruption Investigation, Priority Crime Specialised Investigation, Pienaar based National Public Order Policing, Pienaar based Tactical Response Team, Explosive Unit, Local Criminal Record Centre and the Department of Home Affairs conducted the search. During the search, illegal mining equipment inclusive of mining hardhats with headlights, torches, and clothing were found and seized. Documents including bail receipts with different names, laptops, cellular phones, and cash amounting to R26 800.00 were also found and seized. Food stuff and cigarettes were also found. In the process, 11 undocumented foreign nationals aged between 28 and 39 were found on the premises, and they were arrested for contravention of Immigration Act. Two of the three targeted accused aged 33 and 41 were already in custody as they were arrested on 07 and 08 March 2025. The duo will be charged with Dealing in Precious Metals and Money Laundering, while the third accused is still at large. All the accused will appear before the Barberton Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 13 March 2025. Ends
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