Johannesburg - Another illicit gold refinery was closed on Tuesday evening in Doringkuil, De Deur on a plot along Pasteur Road, through the efforts of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.
Alex Mathe, 18, Isaak Ndlovu, 24, Louis Mothesse, 37, Otaveo Matha, 17, and Masilo Mpheng, 25, were charged for contravening several statutes that include the Precious Metals Act, Mine Health and Safety Act, as well as the Immigration Act.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said the suspects were arrested through the assistance of Sedibeng Crime Intelligence, who acted on information of suspicious activities at the address.
“Various items which includes a Nissan NP 200 bakkie, cellphones and equipment associated with illegal mining were seized together with approximately eighty tons of gold-bearing materials. The seized items are valued at approximately R1million. The scene was processed overnight with the assistance of members from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and Sibanye Stillwater Mine for a clean-up,” Ramovha said.
The suspects made their appearance in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The court has postponed the matter to next week pending verification of the detained suspects’ status in the country and a bail application.
The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has commended the team for their outstanding efforts in dismantling yet another illegal mining activity.
The Star