Two men, including a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national, have been arrested in Brakpan after being found in possession of gold bars valued at an estimated R15 million. The successful operation, led by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), was a significant blow to the illegal precious metals trade in South Africa. Captain Lloyd Ramovha, the Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed that the two men were arrested on Tuesday afternoon at approximately 1:15 pm in a well-coordinated operation, which saw the suspects attempting to sell the stolen gold. The suspects were caught in the act with six bars of unwrought gold, and their arrest has been hailed as a major breakthrough in the ongoing battle against organized crime in the region.
The two men have been identified as Joachim Chivayo, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean citizen, and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a 20-year-old South African. Both were apprehended at Helderwyk Estate, and the seizure of the gold was a key part of the Hawks’ investigation into illegal trading of precious metals. The gold, which is understood to have been sourced through illicit means, is valued at approximately R15 million. The Hawks also seized a Mercedes Benz SUV during the arrest, further underlining the high-profile nature of the operation. Both men face serious charges, including illegal possession of gold and violations of the Precious Metals Act.
Following their arrests, Chivayo and Gungwa made their first appearance in the Brakpan Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, where they were remanded in custody. Their legal proceedings are expected to continue as investigators delve deeper into the origins of the gold and the network involved in its illegal trade. The Hawks have stated that they are working to identify other individuals who may be implicated in the illicit gold trading operation. The investigation is still ongoing, with authorities focusing on uncovering the full scope of the illegal precious metals market.
Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, the acting provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, praised the success of the operation, noting the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the team involved in the arrests. She emphasized that the Hawks remain committed to cracking down on crimes related to the exploitation of South Africa’s natural resources, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the country’s wealth from criminal elements. Sekgobela’s statement serves as a reminder of the Hawks’ continued vigilance in addressing high-level organized crime and illegal trade.
This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the growing issue of illegal precious metals trading in South Africa, a crime that has escalated in recent years due to the high demand for gold and other valuable minerals. The Hawks’ ongoing efforts to combat this criminal activity are crucial in maintaining the integrity of South Africa’s precious resources, which are often exploited by syndicates operating both locally and internationally. The successful operation against Chivayo and Gungwa is an important step in curbing the illegal trade, with law enforcement officials promising to continue their investigations to bring all responsible parties to justice.
