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The Hawks arrested seven people this week for allegedly running an illegal gold processing refinery at two premises on the West Rand.
The arrests were a result of an investigation into illegal mining activities which began three months ago following a tip-off.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, said the investigating team, which included the mine’s protection service and municipal environmental officers kept two properties in the West Rand under surveillance before the pounced on Wednesday.
He said seven suspects, aged between 18 and 63, were arrested during the simultaneous raids.
Mulamu said police seized items from both premises in Westonaria and Kocksoord valued at approximately R8 million, including about 300 tons of gold-bearing material.
Other items seized included “seven man-made pendukas, ten bags of carbon and two water pumps, as well as electronic gadgets and documents” which will assist the ongoing investigation.
The suspects are due to in court on Friday on charges of the illegal possession of unwrought precious metals, illegal immigration and polluting with cyanide under the Environmental Act.
“More arrests cannot be ruled out,” Mulamu said.
