Hawks and AFU Freeze R5m in Assets Linked to Massive R350m Platinum Theft
The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) have successfully secured a R5 million preservation order linked to a massive platinum theft syndicate in the North West.
The order, granted by the North West Division of the High Court of South Africa, stems from a case where six suspects were arrested in Rustenburg and Brits by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit in August 2024. The suspects face charges of illegal dealing in and possession of platinum valued at approximately R350 million.
North West SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula confirmed that the multi-million-rand preservation order covers a portion of land in Rustenburg and 20 vehicles belonging to one of the primary suspects.
“Their arrest followed a lengthy investigation initiated after police received information regarding the alleged theft of platinum from a mine in Rustenburg, which was subsequently transported to Brits,” Mathebula stated.
The North West Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), alongside the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, highly commended the collaborative efforts of both investigative teams in securing the asset forfeiture order.
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