Two arrested after police bust illegal gold refinery in Pretoria North

Two men were arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, following a police operation that discovered an alleged illegal gold refinery in Rooiwal, north of Pretoria. The arrests occurred after a multi-agency effort involving SAPS K9 Unit, Tshwane K9 Unit, Proshield Security, and GAC Security. Police received information about the suspected refinery on a property in Houtkaper Street and conducted surveillance over several days before securing a search warrant.

During the search, they found gold refining equipment and an active refining operation. Four suspects were present on the premises, but only two were arrested; the other two fled the scene. Police seized equipment and other items related to the alleged operation. The arrested suspects are currently in custody at SAPS Pretoria North and are scheduled to appear in Pretoria North Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.

Acting Tshwane District Commissioner Brigadier Kushie Pietersen commended the officers and security partners involved in the operation. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to locate the two remaining suspects and uncover the full extent of the illegal refining activity.