Two suspects were remanded in custody for illegal possession of gold-bearing materials. Thomas Sithole (20) and Enock Mathobo (29) made a brief appearance at the Kabokweni Magistrate Court on Wednesday.

This follows after they were arrested during a joint operation by the Nelspruit Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit, Matsulu Vispol members, Tonga Cluster Vispol members and Department of Home Affairs officials.

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They were arrested in the early hours of Tuesday after information surfaced about suspects who were in possession of gold-bearing materials in Matsulu.

Hawks spokesman, Capt Dineo Sekgotodi, said the team found the duo hiding inside one of the suspects’ house.

“While searching the house they confiscated phendukas (gold-refining machines), gas bottles, a cutting torch and gold-bearing ore valued at R50 000,” she said.

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Sekgotodi said the suspects were arrested immediately and charged with contravention of Act 37 of 2005, Section 4 Possession of Gold-bearing Materials.

The case was postponed to August 8 for formal bail application at the same court.