The Hawks have arrested nine suspects and seized precious metals and specialised processing equipment worth an estimated R23 million in Greenstone, Gauteng.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 56, were arrested on Tuesday 8 September and are expected to appear before the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 10 September 2026, on charges relating to the illegal possession and dealing in precious metals.
The arrests followed intelligence received by members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation (SOCI) unit on Friday, 4 September, concerning a foreign national allegedly involved in trading unwrought gold dust and nuggets sourced from illegal miners.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, the intelligence prompted the team to conduct surveillance before executing a search warrant at a targeted property in Greenstone on Tuesday.
“Following intense surveillance, the team operationalised a search warrant at the premises. Upon entering the property, officers detained two females and seven males,” Mavimbela said.
During the search, investigators allegedly found approximately 20kg of palladium, 11kg of osmium and specialised machinery used to process unwrought gold.
The total value of the seized precious metals and equipment is estimated at R23 million.
Mavimbela said all nine suspects were arrested after they allegedly failed to produce valid permits, licences or company registration documents authorising them to trade in or handle precious metals.
The Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Wendy Mashwabane, commended the operational team for what she described as swift and decisive action.
“This breakthrough is a significant blow to illegal mining value chains in the province. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting suspicious activities within their communities to law enforcement authorities,” Mashwabane said.
Mavimbela said the suspects face charges of contravening the Precious Metals Act 37 of 2005.
The investigation is continuing.
