The 43-year-old suspect arrested in Sebenza for the possession of gold worth R500 000 was released on R50 000 bail.
Also read: Man to appear in court for illegal possession of gold worth R500k
His release comes after he was charged of illegal possession of unwrought (unrefined) gold in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on November 12. It was his first appearance in court.
Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Capt Tlangelani Rikhotso said the case was postponed to February 13 2020.
“The postponement was made to allow for further investigation into the matter,” said Rikhotso.
The suspect was arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team on November 8.
“The suspect was circulated in media earlier this year for his alleged links to an armed robbery,” said Rikhotso.
“During the robbery unwrought gold worth R35 million was stolen.”
The robbery occurred in Stilfontein in the North West on February 18.
“The case is one of the largest gold robberies the Hawks have investigated in several years,” said Rikhotso.
“The robbery of gold is most common in the North West as there is a large mining industry in the province.”
Rikhotso said the investigation team tracked the suspect to a hideout in Sebenza after they received information regarding his whereabouts.
While searching the premises, officers found a piece of unwrought gold weighing 700 grams, estimated to be worth R500 000.
“R900 000 in cash was also seized for further investigation.”
“Other items found during the search included cell phones and diamond testing equipment.”
Rikhotso said gold transaction paperwork reflecting transactions in excess of R25 million was also found.
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