Thabang Ntsibane was arrested for operating an alleged illegal gold-processing lab in Pilgrim’s Rest during a police operation on Thursday (September 9).

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“The team seized bags of gold-bearing materials and cash found in Ntsibane’s possession. He was charged for contravening the Precious Metals Act, Act 37 of 2005 and Immigration Act, Act 13 of 2002,” said the spokesperson for the Hawks, Capt Dineo Sekgotodi.

The case has been remanded to Wednesday (September 15) for a formal bail application and verification of Ntsibane’s status in the country.