On Tuesday,Hawks in Gauteng arrested a Zimbabwean national and South African national after they were found in possession of six gold bars worth approximately R15 million.
Captain Lloyd Ramovha said that the Gauteng Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation team,in collaboration with their Head Office counterparts,achieved a significant breakthrough in their fight against illegal precious metal trading by arresting two suspects involved in the unlawful possession of gold.
Captain Ramovha revealed that on Tuesday,26th November 2024,at approximately 13:15,the dedicated team executed a meticulously planned operation,leading to the successful arrests of the suspects.The individuals were apprehended while in possession of six bars of unwrought gold,as they were attempting to find a buyer.
He added that the suspects,Joacham Chivayo,a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national,and Ayanda Brian Gungwa,a 20-year-old South African citizen,were promptly arrested at Helderwyk Estate.The seized gold,valued at approximately R15 million,underscores the gravity of the crime.
He hinted that both suspects have been charged with illegal possession of gold,contravening the Precious Metals Act,Act 37 of 2005.The case has been registered at Brakpan Police Station.
The suspects had made their first court appearance on Wednesday,27 November 2024,and they remain in custody.Further investigations are underway to trace the origin of the gold and to identify any additional suspects involved in this illegal trade.
The arrest of these suspects has been applauded by the Hawks leadership management in the Gauteng province.
"The Gauteng Hawks remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the law and protect our nation's valuable resources.The diligence and coordination demonstrated by all team members in this operation are highly commendable,"commented Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela,Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng.
Hawks in Free State arrested second suspect for corruption
Hawks in Free State has confirmed an arrest of a second suspect which is involved on issuing fraudulent liquor licenses.
Lieutenant Colonel Zweli Mohobeleli said a second suspect in the Bethlehem liquor license corruption case has been arrested.The 53-year-old male Liquor Board official was arrested in Bethlehem by the Serious Corruption Investigation detectives of the Hawks on Monday,25 November 2024.This follows shortly after the arrest of his accomplice,Ms Allinah Mohapi(30),on Thursday,21 November 2024.
The arrest of these two suspects was facilitated by Hawks after obtaining an information about an ongoing fraudulent activities in the Bethlehem Liquor Board on July 2024.
"The suspects are alleged to be involved in issuing fraudulent liquor licenses.On 22 July 2024,the Hawks received information about a 53-year-old Bethlehem Liquor Board official who was facilitating liquor licenses at a fee.Further investigation revealed that Ms Mohapi had used her bank account to receive money meant for the Liquor Board official and later transferred to him.
Based on this evidence,the Bethlehem Magistrates Court authorised warrants for the arrest of both Ms Mohapi and the Liquor Board official.They made their first court appearance on Monday,25 November 2024,facing charges of corruption and money laundering.They remain behind bars pending their application for bail on 2 December 2024,"Lieutenant Colonel Mohobeleli added.
The Head of Hawks in the province of Free State has welcomed an arrest of these two individuals.
"Anyone who allows money amassed through corrupt means to go in and out of their bank account is actively participating in committing a crime.You shall be arrested for corruption and money laundering,"said Major General Mokgadi Bokaba,Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation(Hawks).