Three men arrested for operating gold processing plant in Gauteng

GAUTENG – Three suspects were arrested on Wednesday, 19 February 2020 for allegedly operating an illegal gold processing refinery in Zuurbekom plots.

The three men, aged between 21 and 47 were arrested during an integrated operation comprised of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation, the West Rand Tactical Response Team and Eskom.

Information was received of an illegal gold processing plant which the team kept observation on for some time. On Wednesday the team decided to interrupt the ongoing illegal operation and discovered five well-developed manufacturing operations at the plot. It was also established that the suspects were allegedly stealing electricity from Eskom to sustain their operations.

Two of the suspects were found busy processing the gold and were apprehended. The plot owner was also arrested for harbouring people who were operating criminal activities on his premises.

The team seized ten big pendukas, thirty tonnes of gold-bearing material, four gas cylinders and mercury all worth about R5 million. The Hawk’s Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team have been roped in to initiate a financial an assets investigation.

The three men are expected to appear before Westonaria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 20 February 2020.