26-07-2025
Three sentenced in Free State gold smuggling and money laundering case
SASOLBURG – The Sasolburg High Court has handed down what authorities have described as a 'befitting sentence' to three men involved in the illegal possession of unwrought gold, money laundering, and immigration violations.
The convictions stem from a Hawks investigation launched in November 2023 after intelligence revealed that gold was being illegally purchased in Welkom and transported to Gauteng. Acting on the information, an integrated law enforcement team – comprising the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation (Welkom), the Precious Metals and Diamonds unit, Public Order Police, and Protea Coin Security – intercepted the suspects.
Progress Bayeni Mlambo (44), Leonard Robert Moyo (47), and Leonard Kocanai Sithole (28) were arrested. During the operation, police seized more than R4 million in cash, four vehicles, and sixteen unwrought gold nuggets found hidden in one of the vehicles.
The National Prosecuting Authority, working with the Hawks, obtained a forfeiture order to confiscate the seized gold and money.
On 24 July 2025, Mlambo received a fine of R250 000 or nine years' imprisonment for contravening the Precious Metals Act, as well as an additional R250 000 fine or nine years' imprisonment for money laundering.
Moyo was fined R100 000 for contravening the same Act.
Sithole was sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, provided he is not convicted of any Immigration Act violations during that time. The court also ordered his immediate deportation.
Free State Hawks head Major General Mokgadi Bokaba praised the collaborative effort that led to the arrests and convictions.
