Hawks dismantle approximately R2 Million worth of clandestine gold refinery

Two male suspects, aged 21 and 42, are expected to appear in the Randfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 10 December 2021 for operating an illegal gold processing refinery and contravention of the Precious Metal Act.

An intelligence-driven operation was successfully conducted at Hillside in the Randfontein area, consisting of a team focusing on precious metal investigation, the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Krugersdorp, and Sibanye Stillwater Operations in the West Rand on Tuesday, 07 December 2021.

The investigation team kept surveillance on positively identified premises which resulted in the search warrant being 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.

Amongst other seized items during the operation, police confiscated about 50 tons of gold-bearing material worth approximately R2mil, four big man-made pendukas, as well as electronic gadgets for further investigation.

Investigation continues.