A 22-year-old was arrested after police in Gauteng discovered an illegal gold refinery laboratory worth R3m of gold-bearing material. Image via Facebook/ South African Police Service
R3m worth of gold-bearing material found in illegal gold refinery
A 22-year-old was arrested after police in Gauteng discovered an illegal gold refinery laboratory worth R3m of gold-bearing material.
A 22-year-old was arrested after police in Gauteng discovered an illegal gold refinery laboratory worth R3m of gold-bearing material. Image via Facebook/ South African Police Service
Gauteng police arrested a 22-year-old suspect and detected a fully operational gold refinery laboratory in a small holding in Zuurbekom, Westonaria, on 16 May 2023.
Police spokesperson Colonel Philani Nkwalase said gold-bearing material with an estimated value of R3 million, two generators, and nearly 200 kg of loaded carbon and a cell phone were found in the building.
THE SUSPECT IS A FOREIGN NATIONAL WITH NO PROPER DOCUMENTATION
The suspect, foreign national did not have proper documentation.
He was arrested and all exhibits were seized for further investigation.
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CONTRAVENTION OF PRECIOUS METALS
“He is expected to appear on 18 May 2023 in the Westonaria Magistrates Court on charges of contravention of Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005 and operating an illegal gold refinery,” said Nkwalase.
An additional charge of contravening the Immigration Act 13 of 2002 may be preferred against him.
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COMBINED TEAM LAUDED FOR ITS WORK
The Hawks Provincial Head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commended the team’s work.
He added that the suspect was clearly not working alone.
“Our work is cut out and no stone will be left unturned,” said Kadwa.
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