Two suspects appeared in the Randfontein Magistrates’ Court on Friday December 10 on charges of illegally operating a gold-processing refinery in Hillside.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu said the two men, aged 21 and 42, were also in violation of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.

The illegal operation was discovered during a joint, intelligence-driven operation by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in Krugersdorp and Sibanye-Stillwater Operations.

The investigative team kept surveillance on a positively identified premises which resulted in the search warrant being issued. Police executed the search warrant and pounced on people allegedly operating an illicit gold refinery, and apprehended them immediately,” Captain Mulamu said.

Among the items seized were 50 tons of gold-bearing material worth approximately R2 million, four big man-made phendukas (steel drums), as well as electronic gadgets that will be subjected to further investigation.

“Investigations around this matter continue,” Captain Mulamu added.