Two men were arrested in Brakpan on Tuesday after they were found in possession of six bars of unwrought gold.

The arrests have been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal precious metal trading.

At around 13:15, the Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, in collaboration with their head office counterparts, executed a meticulously planned operation, leading to the successful arrests.

The individuals were apprehended while in possession of the bars, as they were attempting to find a buyer.

The suspects, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national, and a 20-year-old South African citizen, were arrested in Helderwyk Estates.

The seized gold, valued at approximately R15m, underscores the gravity of the crime.

Both suspects have been charged with illegal possession of gold, contravening the Precious Metals Act, Act 37 of 2005.

The case has been registered at the Brakpan Police Station. The duo made their first court appearance yesterday, and remain in custody.

Further investigations are underway to trace the origin of the gold and to identify any additional suspects involved in this illegal trade.

The acting provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, commended the team.

“The Gauteng Hawks remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the law and protect our nation’s valuable resources. The diligence and co-ordination demonstrated by all team members in this operation are highly commendable,” said Sekgobela.