Latest news with #PreciousMetalsAct
The South African
13 hours ago
- The South African
Illegal mining crackdown intensifies, nine arrested
Nine people were arrested in connection with illegal mining. Image via pexels Home » Illegal mining crackdown intensifies, nine arrested Nine people were arrested in connection with illegal mining. Image via pexels Police arrested nine suspected illegal miners during a strategic operation at Ha-Pasha, Limpopo. The suspects, aged between 22 and 44, also face charges for violating the Immigration Act. Illegal mining has become prevalent in the province. However, the Sekhukhune District's Operation Vala Umgodi team is relentlessly committed to combating the practice. Intelligence-led officers identified the suspected illegal miners. The suspects are currently in custody at Mecklenburg SAPS. Officers seized several items during the operation. Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Masekela Magoro, said SAPS remains committed to protecting the country's natural resources. Magoro said the police will continue efforts to dismantle illegal mining to ensure a safer, sustainable future. The arrests come after the country's mining sector saw its sixth consecutive month of recession. Data released by Statistics South Africa showed that the mining sector had a significant decline in production, down 7.8% year-on-year in April. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West says it has made a significant step in the illegal mining fight. The NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit obtained a preservation order relating to about R16 million worth of gold-bearing material (GBM). These were allegedly used for unlawful activities. NPA spokesperson in North West, Sivenathi Gunya, said the order follows investigations from 2016 to 2020. During this period, certain suspects and entities reportedly transported GBM from a dormant mine to a processing plant in Stilfontein, Klerksdorp. Thereafter, it was refined, which contravened the Precious Metals Act. As a result, police arrested one suspect, who is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, 2 July. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
The Herald
2 days ago
- The Herald
Asset Forfeiture Unit obtains preservation order in illegal mining case
The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West has secured a preservation order relating to about 39,058 tonnes of gold-bearing material (GBM) valued at an estimated R16m. The material is alleged to be the proceeds of unlawful activities and instrumentalities of offences. The order was granted by the North West High Court on Friday. 'The order follows investigations into illegal mining operations between 2016 and 2020. During this period, certain suspects and entities reportedly transported GBM from a dormant mine to a processing plant in Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, where it was refined, contravening the Precious Metals Act,' NPA spokesperson Sivenathi Gunya said. The suspects allegedly operated without a valid refining licence. The accused had been arrested and are expected to appear in court on July 2. 'The NPA welcomes the court's decision, which marks a significant step in the fight against illegal mining.' TimesLIVE
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Asset Forfeiture Unit obtains preservation order in illegal mining case
The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West has secured a preservation order relating to about 39,058 tonnes of gold-bearing material (GBM) valued at an estimated R16m. The material is alleged to be the proceeds of unlawful activities and instrumentalities of offences. The order was granted by the North West High Court on Friday. 'The order follows investigations into illegal mining operations between 2016 and 2020. During this period, certain suspects and entities reportedly transported GBM from a dormant mine to a processing plant in Stilfontein, Klerksdorp, where it was refined, contravening the Precious Metals Act,' NPA spokesperson Sivenathi Gunya said. The suspects allegedly operated without a valid refining licence. The accused had been arrested and are expected to appear in court on July 2. 'The NPA welcomes the court's decision, which marks a significant step in the fight against illegal mining.'
News24
25-05-2025
- News24
There's gold in them heels! Hawks arrest two after finding illicit gold in suspect's shoes
SAPS Two men have been arrested for the possession of illicit gold. Illicit gold was found hidden in one of the suspects' shoes. The suspects, originally from Mpumalanga, were arrested in Gauteng. The Hawks have arrested two men with illicit gold – with one of them hiding the precious metal in his shoes. Hawks spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo, said the two suspects were arrested on Friday after the Hawks received a tip-off about a car that would be travelling along the M2 with illicit gold. READ | Father, son among 3 arrested, R10.2m of stash seized at alleged illegal gold dealership 'The vehicle was spotted entering [a] filling station with two occupants inside and later drove out. The police followed the vehicle and stopped it on the M2 freeway,' Singo added. Police did not find any illegal items inside the car. However, a further search was conducted and one of the suspects, a passenger, was found hiding 70 grams of illicit gold inside his shoes, Singo said. Both men were then taken to their place of residence in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga to continue the search, he added. When they arrived at their residence, police discovered a further 60 grams of illicit gold. Both suspects were subsequently arrested for contravention of the Precious Metals Act. The two suspects are expected to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Monday, following their arrest. In an unrelated case, two men were recently also arrested for the possession of suspected stolen property and possession of unwrought gold worth R16 million in Johannesburg this week. In that incident, the Hawks received information of individuals in a grey BMW travelling from the Free State to sell gold in Gauteng. The two men have been granted R20 000 bail each. Gauteng Hawks head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the work done by the investigation team, adding that the Hawks will 'remain resolute in combating cross-province organised crime'. 'We are determined to address the illegal gold impacting our nation. The recent successes in the arrest of several individuals is testament to that', said Kadwa.
