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Three people, including a father and son, appeared in court in Johannesburg on Wednesday following their arrest for being in possession of precious metals worth approximately R10.2 million.
The spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, said the arrests were made during a joint operation at the Crownwood Office Park on Monday, where two suspects were intercepted in their vehicles.
“One accused was found with R100,000 in cash, while the other had R70,000.
“These amounts are suspected to be the proceeds from the illegal sale of gold,” he said.
Ramovha said their initial investigation revealed that the premises was operating as an unlicensed gold dealership, utilising expired permits.
“A search of the site uncovered significant quantities of gold and platinum ingots valued at around R5 million, along with cash exceeding R5 million.
“Further searches conducted at Meyersdal Eco Estate and Theta Office yielded additional evidence, including scales, calculators, and safes,” he added.
Ramovha said Zaid Jacob (22), Shaheen Jacob (62), and Muhammed Raees (24), appeared in court on Wednesday on charges of trading in, and being in the illegal possession gold and second-hand jewellery without valid permits.
Their case was postponed to Friday for a formal bail application in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court.
