GAUTENG – The execution of project “Gillette” resulted in six suspects being arrested. This was an ongoing project which began in 2018 as an enquiry, addressing six targets higher in the illegal mining activities. Six transactions were conducted to the value of R500 000. The suspects are alleged to be buying gold bearing materials from the zama zamas, process it and sell it to the next level in the hierarchy.
Today, seven suspects aged between 35 and 60 were arrested in Carletonville and Khutsong where several high performance vehicles were seized. The multi-disciplinary team also seized a home-made firearm. This is as a result of joint operations carried out by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, Gauteng working together with Head Office’s Forensic, Crime Intelligence and Explosives Unit as well as Gaubullet and Department of Home Affairs.
The multi-disciplinary team recovered 13 high performance vehicles and a truck. An unlicensed homemade firearm was also seized.
The suspects will appear in the Carletonville Magistrate’s Court tomorrow, 05 October 2022, on charges money laundering, dealing in illegal precious metals and fraud.
Source: South African Police Service