NIGEL – An intelligence driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime and Crime Intelligence has led to the arrest of five suspects for allegedly operating a gold refinery near Nigel.
This brings the total to 12 suspects arrested in separate operations in the same area over the past few months.
According to Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, the suspects were arrested in Jameson Park on December 5. Hawks members also seized chemicals and mining tools valued at approximately R450 000.
“The suspects, aged between 17 and 38 years, appeared in Nigel Magistrate’s Court on December 6, where they are facing charges of contravention of the Precious Metals Act,” Capt Mulamu said.
She added that the first seven suspects were denied bail after they appeared in Nigel Magistrate’s Court on November 23.
Jetro Saurombe (18), Debford Sembe (17), Moses Ruwo (16), Godfrey Rambo (19), Thomas Sithole (20), Samuel Moleya (23), and Justice Tatenda Sembe (28), were arrested in Jameson Park during two separate raids that were executed by the Hawks in August and November. The suspects were charged with operating an illegal gold refinery.
According to Capt Mulamu, mining implements, tons of gold bearing material and chemicals with an estimated value of over R500 000 were confiscated during their arrest. Both cases have been postponed to 28 January 2019 pending further investigations.
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