Zim man and a South African busted with gold worth R15 million
South Africa’s Gauteng Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team arrested two suspects identified as 33-year-old Joacham Chivayo and 20-year-old Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a South African citizen.
According to a Media Statement released by the South African Police Service, the two were arrested on-site and charged with illegal possession of gold under the Precious Metals Act, Act 37 of 2005.
The operation, meticulously planned and executed on Tuesday, 26 November 2024, at approximately 13:15, led to the apprehension of the suspects at Helderwyk Estate in Brakpan, South Africa. The individuals were caught attempting to sell six bars of unwrought gold, valued at around R15 million.
The case has been registered at Brakpan Police Station, and the suspects made their first court appearance on Wednesday, 27 November 2024. Currently, the two remain in custody as investigations continue to trace the origin of the gold and identify other possible suspects involved in the illegal trade.
Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, Acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng, praised the team for their exceptional efforts.
“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,” said Brigadier Sekgobela.
Investigations are expected to shed more light on the network behind this illegal operation.