Ex-cop arrested at home in Rynfield, precious metals seized
Investigations into the accused’s activities were ongoing before the raid on his home.
Former police officer (53) was arrested by the Hawks at his home in an upmarket estate in Rynfield on May 2.
In a statement released by a spokesperson for the Gauteng Hawks Serious Organised Crimes Unit, Colonel Philani Nkwalase, investigations into the accused were ongoing for some time, and finally cumulated in the execution of a search warrant at his residence.
“He was arrested on charges of contravention of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005 when members of the Vaal Rand Hawks unit, Germiston Crime Intelligence and Gauteng Highway Patrol found him to be in possession of gold, platinum and a large amount of undisclosed money,” said Nkwalase.
“While searching the premises, nine nuggets of gold were found inside the accused’s Mahindra, while a platinum nugget was found in his home office.
“A PMD analysis machine and a money-counting machine were also seized.
“The suspect claimed he was employed as a smelt operator for a smelt house company in Springs. However, preliminary investigations revealed that the home was not registered for commercial use,” he said.
“He also does not have a permit to buy or deal in precious metals or diamonds from his home.”
The accused appeared in the Benoni Regional Court on May 5 to make a formal bail application.
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