Illicit gold worth R900k seized in Sandringham raid
A 33-year-old suspect was arrested in Sandringham after Hawks intelligence led to the discovery of illicit gold worth R900,000 and over R300,000 in cash during a joint sting operation.
The Johannesburg-based Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team has arrested a 33-year-old suspect for allegedly dealing in illicit gold.
The arrest follows intelligence from the Hawks regarding a suspect involved in illicit gold trading in the Sandringham area.
The suspect was apprehended on May 22 in a joint operation with the Johannesburg K9 and Benoni K9 units.
According to police, the suspect’s vehicle was spotted driving on Swindler Road and Lee Street.
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Officers stopped the vehicle and conducted a search, during which they discovered five grams of illicit gold and R8,100 in cash.
The suspect then led authorities to another property on Sandler Street.
A subsequent search of the premises revealed 600 grams of illicit gold and R300 000 in cash.
The police seized illicit gold valued at approximately R900 000 and cash amounting to R308 100.
The suspect is scheduled to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on May 26.
The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the multidisciplinary team for their outstanding work and for ensuring that the information received led to the successful arrest.
