Ten unlawful gold dealers were sentenced to two years imprisonment by Giyani Magistrate’s Court on Friday 1 April 2022 for contravention of the Precious Metal Act and for contravening the Immigration Act.
Capt. Matimba Maluleke, police spokesperson, says the Hawks received a tip-off about people who were en-route from Phalaborwa to Giyani to sell gold.
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The vehicle matching a description of the one they were traveling in was spotted driving on the R81 road near Giyani shopping complex and it was cornered.
“Ten occupants were found in the vehicle and they were searched. Upon searching them, unwrought gold, pastel, scale, and mine detectors worth over R900 000 as well as R3 800 cash were found and seized,” said Maluleke.
It appears that all ten criminals are Zimbabwean nationals and were identified as: Mpatise Tshuma(29), Decent Ngwenya (22), Lamulani Sibanda (31), Skhumbuzo Mkandla (21), Ocean Mpofu (28), Prince Ndlovu (27), Brandon Nyoni (22), Clive Moyo (29), Tawanda Ndebele (33) and Philani Ndlovu (33).
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They were arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation members assisted by Giyani Police and Local Criminal Record Centre members on 14 May 2021.
The accused appeared in the Giyani Magistrate’s Court several times and subsequently pleaded guilty to the charges.
*SAPS Press Release
