The Mpumalanga Hawks concluded a search-and-seizure operation aimed at addressing gold smuggling in the province on Wednesday, March 12.

The operation targeted nine different premises owned by three suspects. “Two of the three, aged 33 and 41, were already in custody as they were arrested on March 7 and 8. The duo has been charged with dealing in precious metals and money laundering, while the third is still at large,” said a provincial Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala.

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She said the takedown was led by the Nelspruit-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team. Illegal mining equipment including mining hardhats with headlights, torches and clothing were discovered and confiscated. Documents including bail receipts with different names, laptops, cellphones and R26 800 in cash, as well as foodstuff and cigarettes were also seized.

“In the process, 11 undocumented foreign nationals, aged between 28 and 39, were found on the various premises. They were arrested for contravention of the Immigration Act,” Tshabalala said.

All 13 the accused are scheduled to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today, March 13. However, at time of publishing the court feedback was unknown.