Nine suspects have been arrested in Greenstone for the illegal possession of and dealing in precious metals.

Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said members of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit received intelligence on September 4 regarding a foreign national allegedly trading in unwrought gold dust and nuggets sourced from illegal miners.

Mavimbela said following intense surveillance, the team executed a search warrant at a Greenstone property on September 8.

ALSO READ: More than 800 arrested as Gauteng police intensify crime operations

“Upon entering the property, officers detained two women and seven men. A thorough search of the premises uncovered approximately 20kg of palladium, 11kg of osmium, and specialised machinery used to process unwrought gold. The total estimated value of the seized minerals and equipment stands at R23m,” said Mavimbela.

The nine suspects were arrested after failing to produce valid permits, licences, or company registration documents authorising them to trade or handle precious metals.

They were scheduled to appear in the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on September 10 to face charges of contravening the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.

The Bedfordview Edenvale News contacted Mavimbela and is awaiting information on the outcome of the court proceedings.

ALSO READ: Ekurhuleni police arrest 11 suspects in crime operations

Heavy blow to illegal mining

Acting provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Gauteng, Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane, commended the operational team for their swift and decisive action.

“This breakthrough is a significant blow to illegal mining value chains in the province.

“We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities within their communities to law enforcement authorities,” said Mashwabane.