GAUTENG – The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime investigation team efforts have resulted in yet another illicit gold refinery closure on Tuesday evening in Doringkuil, De Deur at a plot along Pasteur road.

Alex Mathe (18),  Isaak Ndlovu (24), Louis Mothesse (37), Otaveo Matha (17), and  Masilo Mpheng (25), have been charged for contravening several statutes that includes the precious metals act, mining & environmental, health and safety act as well as the immigration act. They were arrested through the assistance of Sedibeng Crime Intelligence who acted on information of suspicious activities at the said address.

Various items which includes, a Nissan NP 200 bakkie, cellphones and equipment associated with illegal mining were seized together with approximately eighty tons of gold bearing materials. The seized items are valued at approximately R1million. The scene was processed over night with the assistance of members from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and Sibanye Stillwater Mine for a clean-up.

The group made their appearance in the Vereeniging Magistrate’s Court today. The court has postponed the matter to next week pending verification of the detained status in the country and a bail application thereof.

The Gauteng Provincial Head of the Hawks Major General Ebrahim Kadwa has commended the team for their outstanding efforts in dismantling yet another illegal mining activity.

Source: South African Police Service