Hawks strike gold: Illegal refinery raided in Westonaria

An intelligence-led operation investigating illegal mining uncovered a fully-fledged gold refinery on a smallholding in Zuurbekom, Westonaria this week.

The integrated task force included the Hawks, the Tactical Response Team (TRT), and officials from various divisions.

Illegal gold refinery

Colonel Philani Nkwalase confirmed a 22-year-old suspect was arrested on 16 May. He will appear in court today, on charges of operating an illegal gold refinery.

The suspect is believed to be part of a larger syndicate, and the investigation continues.

Multimillion-rand seizure

Investigations on the scene led to the seizure of around 1 260 tonnes of gold-bearing material, valued at approximately R3 million.

Officials also confiscated two generators, nearly 200kg of loaded carbon, and a cell phone during the raid.

The materials seized, as well as the suspect in custody, will be subject to further investigation, Nkwalase said.

Legal consequences

The suspect, a foreign national without appropriate documentation, could potentially face additional charges under the Immigration Act 13 of 2002.

He will appear in the Westonaria Magistrates Court on 18 May 2023, on charges including contravention of the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.

The Hawks provincial head in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, praised the team’s exceptional work.

Kadwa said: “The suspect was clearly not working alone, our work is cut out and no stone will be left unturned”.

Precious Metals Act: What it entails

The Precious Metals Act of 2005 governs the handling of precious metals and their ores in South Africa.

It’s illegal to operate beyond the premises described in the license, be in possession of unwrought precious metal outside the licensed premises.

As per the act, it is also an offence to conduct business under a name that differs from the name used on the licensed premises or place.

Precious metals may not be refined or worked on outside the boundaries of the mine without the legally-prescribed documentation.

READ: 43 zama zamas arrested for illegal mining in Limpopo

Illegal mining

In a separate incident on 16 May 2023, police arrested three men on Modikwa Mountain outside Burgersfort in the Sekhukhune District.

The Provincial Task Team on illegal mining confiscated various mining equipment during the operation.

The suspects will appear before the Mecklenburg Magistrate’s Court today, facing charges of illegal mining and possession of suspected stolen goods.

Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, commended the team’s dedication.

“The commitment by these members is a good sign that we are more than determined to fight illegal mining in this Province.”