Hawks Arrest Five Suspects Over Alleged Illegal Gold and Platinum Trading Worth R150,000
A major investigation into the alleged illegal trade of stolen gold and platinum has led to the arrest of five suspects across Gauteng and Limpopo, with authorities claiming the operation has uncovered a network linked to mining theft.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, working alongside the Pretoria Forensic Science Laboratory and the Pretoria Local Criminal Record Centre, arrested the suspects on Thursday as part of an ongoing probe into the alleged dealing in unwrought precious metals.
Four suspects were taken into custody in Bedfordview, Gauteng, while another suspect was arrested in Thabazimbi, Limpopo.
The arrests followed an investigation into allegations of illegal gold and platinum trading spanning three provinces: Limpopo, North West and Gauteng.
According to SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula, investigators uncovered allegations that employees from mining companies in Limpopo and North West had been involved in stealing precious metals from mining operations.
“The stolen gold and platinum were allegedly sold at a business in Bedfordview,” Mathebula said.
Authorities estimate the value of the alleged stolen unwrought precious metals at more than R150,000.
During the operation, investigators seized two luxury vehicles, an Audi and a Mercedes Benz, along with a Niton XL2 Precious Metal Analyzer, five cellphones and a laptop from a business premises in Bedfordview.
The seized equipment and vehicles are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation as detectives work to establish the full extent of the alleged criminal operation.
The suspects, aged between 33 and 62, are expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 July 2026, where they will face allegations related to dealing in unwrought precious metals.
The Hawks confirmed that efforts are continuing to locate two additional suspects believed to be connected to the investigation.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as they work to uncover further details surrounding the alleged theft and illegal sale of valuable minerals from South African mines.
