LIMPOPO – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit arrested 10 men for the possession of unwrought gold-bearing material.
The men, aged between 20 and 46, were arrested in Giyani yesterday.
Hawks Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke said the unit received a tip-off about a vehicle that was transporting gold-bearing material.
“A vehicle, which matched the description, was spotted driving on the R81 in Giyani and it was stopped at a joint stop and search operation. The operation was between the Hawks, Mopani District Crime Prevention members, the Local Criminal Record Centre, Giyani K9 Unit, traffic department and emergency service personnel,” Maluleke added.
He said when the vehicle was searched, suspicious gold concentrates and a mine detector machines, with an estimated value of over R200 000, were found and seized.
“The suspects are expected to appear in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 17 May for contravening the Precious Metal and Immigration acts,” he concluded.