14 arrested for operating illegal gold processing facilities in Eikenhof
The Zimbabwean nationals will face charges of illegal possession of unwrought precious metals, along with violations of the Immigration Act and Environmental Act.
Fourteen suspects, aged between 26 and 51, are set to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today, August 15, facing charges connected to operating illegal gold processing facilities in Eikenhof.
Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said the group was arrested on August 13 after a proactive, multifaceted operation by authorities in response to numerous complaints from the Eikenhof community and surrounding areas about the existence of these facilities.
“The suspects, who are Zimbabwean nationals, will face charges of illegal possession of unwrought precious metals, as well as violations of the Immigration Act and Environmental Act,” Ramovha said.
He added that the West Rand-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, armed with a search warrant, raided the illegal facilities around 10:00.
“The operation featured a robust law enforcement presence, including the Tactical Response Team (TRT), Gauteng Traffic helicopters, Community Police Forum members, and officials from various departments, including Health & Safety, Home Affairs, Mineral Resources and Energy, and the South African Diamond & Precious Metals Regulator,” Ramovha stated.
@southern.courier The Zimbabwean nationals will face charges of illegal possession of unwrought precious metals, along with violations of the Immigration Act and Environmental Act.
Ramovha further explained that the hive of activity nestled in plots on either side of the R554 road was immediately shut down.
“Tons of soil containing gold-bearing material, valued at over R2.5 million, were recovered and removed from the scene by our mining sector stakeholders.”
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, visited the scene and praised the multidisciplinary team effort.
“The existence of such facilities, particularly in residential areas, poses a health and environmental challenge. The use of cyanide to extract gold in such an unregulated environment is a recipe for disaster. The illegal activities also hurt the country’s economy. We urge all communities who suspect similar illicit activities to report them to authorities,” Major General Kadwa remarked.
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