The Mpumalanga Hawks yesterday concluded a search-and-seizure operation to address gold smuggling in the province.

According to an article published by Lowvelder, the operation targeted nine properties, 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,” says provincial Hawks spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala.

She says 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 [13 of 2002],” Tshabalala says.

All 13 of the accused are scheduled to appear in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today. The court outcome was not yet known at the time of publishing.

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