A secret gold refinery linked to zama zama syndicates has been shut down in Booysens, Johannesburg, after a joint raid by the JMPD K-9 Unit, the Hawks, and private security firms, resulting in four arrests and the seizure of gold worth an estimated R1 million.
The facility, legally registered to process precious metals, had been illegally refining gold-bearing material. Those arrested include two men and one woman suspected of being illegal miners, as well as the refinery’s manager.
They face charges under the Precious Metals Act and bribery, after allegedly attempting to pay officers R20 000 for their release.
The refinery has since been shut down pending further investigation.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department Acting Chief of Police, Commissioner Eldred Fortein, praised the coordinated operation, saying: “This joint operation sends a clear message: the JMPD, alongside the Hawks, is aggressively targeting the entire value chain of illegal mining. We are not just focusing on individuals underground but on the sophisticated infrastructure that enables illegal miners to operate. We will continue to disrupt these criminal networks that threaten the safety and economic stability of our city.”
The JMPD and the Hawks have reiterated their commitment to dismantling illegal mining operations and restoring safety and order to communities affected by illicit mining activities.
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon as investigations continue.
Saturday Star
Related Topics: