A 33-year-old suspect was arrested on Thursday, 22 May 2025, by the Johannesburg-based Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team, in collaboration with the Johannesburg and Benoni K9 Units, for allegedly dealing in illicit gold.
According to authorities, the Hawks received intelligence about a suspect involved in the illegal gold trade in the Sandringham area. Acting on the tip-off, law enforcement officers tracked the suspect’s vehicle, which was spotted driving along Swindler Road and Lee Street. The police intercepted the vehicle and conducted a search, leading to the discovery of 5 grams of illicit gold and R8,100 in cash.
The suspect then directed officers to a property on Sandler Street, where a subsequent search uncovered an additional 600 grams of illicit gold and R300,000 in cash. In total, authorities seized illicit gold valued at approximately R900,000 and cash amounting to R308,100.
The suspect is set to appear before the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 26 May 2025, to face charges related to the illegal trade of gold.
