By Kaya 959 Reporter
Two men, arrested for allegedly running an illegal gold refinery in Hillside, are expected to make their first appearance in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Police arrested the men, aged 21 and 42, earlier this week. They are facing charges of operating an illegal gold processing refinery and contravention of the Precious Metal Act.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, says officers set up an intelligence-driven operation to nab the men.
“The investigation team kept surveillance on positively identified premises which resulted in the search warrant issued. Police executed a search warrant and pounced on the suspects who are alleged to have been operating the illicit gold refinery and apprehended them immediately,” Mulamu says.
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Gold-bearing material confiscated
Mulamu says police confiscated about 50 tons of gold-bearing material worth approximately R2 million. Officers also seized four big man-made pendukas as well as electronic gadgets for further investigation.
The investigation continues.
Last month, police charged a 43-year-old woman for illegal possession and dealing in gold. Mulamu says officers nabbed Mendo Millicent Zulu in Khutsong.
She says officers followed up on intelligence regarding suspicious illicit drugs and gold, allegedly transported from Mozambique to Gauteng.
The investigation team kept surveillance at an address identified for the distribution of the alleged cargo.
Mulamu says police seized illegal gold nuggets weighing in at around 200 grams. The Hawks also seized money and a black Mercedes-Benz A200 AMG.
Zulu has appeared in court and was released on R10 000 bail. She is due back in court next month.
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