The South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (Saneb) and Crime Intelligence recently conducted a disruptive operation in Lenasia, where a clandestine gold and platinum manufacturing lab was disbanded.
The Hawks, which is based in Parktown, acting on a tip-off, arrived at a residence in Lenasia and discovered the lab.
“Unprocessed gold, gold concentrate material, gold nuggets, unprocessed platinum, and refined platinum, as well as manufacturing equipment at an estimated value of R5 million, were seized,” explained Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu spokesperson for the Hawks.
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A 31-year-old man was arrested and will be appearing in the Protea Magistrates’ Court for illegal manufacturing of precious metal.
The national head of the directorate for priority crime investigation, Lieutenant General Mthandazo Ntlemeza, applauded the officers for yet another discovery of an undercover lab, and said that the Hawks will continue to detect and shut down all illegal laboratories.
“Illegal mining is a serious concern and we are warning those engaging in those activities that we are coming for them. We are closing in on their territory and it is just a matter of time before we pounce on them,” he concluded.
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