Two suspects arrested with unwrought gold worth R16 million
Two individuals charged with possession of R16 million in unwrought gold.
Two individuals appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrates' Court on May 15, 2025, facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property and unwrought gold valued at R16 million.
Colonel Katlego Mogale, provincial spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), stated that a multi-disciplinary team, including the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime unit and the Gauteng SAPS Flying Squad, acted on a tip-off to successfully apprehend two suspects during an intelligence-led operation coordinated by the Germiston-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
'Acting on a tip-off, authorities intercepted a grey BMW reportedly travelling from the Free State to Gauteng, allegedly transporting unwrought gold meant for illegal trade.'
Mogale explained that the authorities intercepted the targeted vehicle on the R21 and successfully stopped it. A thorough search of the vehicle and its occupants revealed a bag holding 80 gold bars, each weighing 100 grams, with a combined estimated value of R16 million.
'The pair could not furnish the officers with documentation to be transporting such materials and were subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of unwrought and possession of suspected stolen property,' she added.
Daniel Schubert (61) and Adriaan Petrus du Plessis (49) appeared in court, but their fate remains uncertain as their case was postponed to May 22 for a formal bail hearing. Both men remain behind bars.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, praised the team for their exceptional dedication and outstanding work in executing the operation.
"The Hawks remain steadfast in their mission to dismantle illegal mining and smuggling networks. Criminals must understand that no one is beyond the reach of the law. We will continue to use every available resource to combat these unlawful activities that exploit our country's precious metals for personal gain," Kadwa emphasised.
The Star
masabata.mkwananzi@inl.co.za
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