Suspects nabbed in illegal precious metals bust appear in court
The suspects were arrested at a property in Greenstone - East of Johannesburg.
Nine individuals, aged between 20 and 56, who were apprehended for the alleged illegal possession and distribution of precious metals, are set to face the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. The arrests took place last Friday, following an intelligence-led operation targeting a foreign national accused of trading in gold dust and nuggets obtained from illicit mining activities. The suspects were apprehended at a location in Greenstone, situated east of Johannesburg.
Hawks spokesperson, Thatohatsi Mavimbela, revealed that upon entering the property, law enforcement officers detained two women and seven men. A comprehensive search of the premises led to the discovery of approximately 20 kilograms of palladium, 11 kilograms of osmium, along with specialized machinery employed in the processing of raw gold. The aggregate estimated value of the seized minerals and equipment is reported to be R23 million.
The suspects are scheduled to make their appearance at the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 10 September 2026.
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