Three suspects were arrested for allegedly operating an illegal gold processing refinery on a Zuurbekom plot in Westonaria on Wednesday, 19 February.
Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, Hawks spokesperson, confirmed the three men aged between 21 and 47 were arrested during an integrated operation comprised of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the West Rand Tactical Response Team and Eskom.
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Mulamo said information was received of an illegal gold processing plant which the team kept observation on for some time.
“On Wednesday the team decided to interrupt the ongoing illegal operation and discovered five well-developed manufacturing operations at the plot. It was also established that the suspects were allegedly stealing electricity from Eskom to sustain their operations”, Mulamu said.
She stated that two of the suspects were found busy processing the gold and were apprehended.
“The plot owner was also arrested for harbouring people who were operating criminal activities on his premises”.
The team seized 10 big pendukas, 30 tonnes of gold bearing material, four gas cylinders and mercury all worth about R5 million.
The Hawk’s Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team have been roped in to initiate a financial and assets investigation.
The three men allegedly appeared in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 20 February.
