Hawks nab nine suspects in R23 million illegal precious metals bust in Greenstone [PICS]

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has dismantled a significant illegal mining value chain in Gauteng after apprehending nine suspects for unlawfully possessing and dealing in precious metals. On Tuesday, the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) conducted a thorough search at a premises in Greenstone, north-eastern Johannesburg, uncovering minerals and equipment with an estimated worth of R23 million.

Officer involved in the bust, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, revealed that the operation was triggered by intelligence gathered on Friday, 4 September, regarding a foreign national allegedly trading in unwrought gold dust and nuggets sourced from illegal miners. Following intensive surveillance, the team executed a search warrant on Tuesday, 8 September 2026, at the targeted location in Greenstone. The officers detained two females and seven males.

The arrested suspects, aged between 20 and 56, were released after failing to present legitimate licences, permits, or company registration documents for handling or selling precious metals. They are expected to face charges of contravening the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005 in Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 10 September 2026.

Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane, the acting provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, lauded the SOCI for their swift and decisive action. She emphasized that the breakthrough dealt a severe blow to illegal mining value chains in the province and urged the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement authorities. Investigations into the case are ongoing.