By Kaya 959 Reporter
Three companies and five people have appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates Court in connection with a multi-million rand gold smuggling racket.
Gregory Kevin Fourie, Daniel Kalmon Dabush, Michelle Fourie, Clifford Craig Fourie, Andrew Mbongeni Sithole, are facing around 1409 charges.
Hybrid Diamonds and Gold Pty (Ltd), Cham Bridging Pty (Ltd) and Michelle’s Second Chance have also been charged.
The charges range from theft and the illegal dealing and possession of unwrought gold, as well as money laundering of over R1 billion.
“The value of the illegal gold transactions is valued at R275 million. The state alleges that these illegal transactions took place over the period March 2018 to November 2019 at a warehouse in the East Rand. Illegal unwrought gold was delivered to Gregory Fourie at the warehouse,” NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane says.
Mjonondwane says the companies played an integral part in the money laundering that followed.
“All the accused were released on bail ranging from R50 000 to R150 000, except for Mbongeni who remains in custody until the hearing of his bail application set down for Wednesday, 17 November 2021. The case was remanded to 31 March 2022 for further investigations,” she said.
According to reports, Fourie was arrested on similar charges in 2019. At the time, the Hawks said Fourie was nabbed in Edenvale.
Fourie was reportedly linked to an armed robbery where unwrought gold worth R35m was stolen in Stilfontein. Fourie was found at a hideout. Police seized the gold as well as R900 000 in cash, cellphones, and other items.
He was released on R50 000 bail after his appearance at the same court (Kempton Park Mag). He was due back in court in February this year.
ALSO READ: Six ‘zama zamas’ arrested in R1bn gold sting



