The High Court in Pretoria has granted a forfeiture order for a Gauteng plot, valued at R740,000 after the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, unearthed gold processing activities on the piece of land.

Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha said on September 20, 2023, members of the Hawks serious organised crime investigation based at Vaalrand successfully executed a search and seizure warrant at a plot in Barbuda Street, Elandsfontein, in Walkerville.

“Upon arrival at the premises, gold-bearing soil was discovered being processed by seven individuals, five of them identified as Zimbabwean nationals. They were found operating at the back of the property, utilising wheelbarrows to transfer soil inside one of the three buildings for gold concentration processing,” said Ramovha.

The suspects were arrested and detained for contravention of the Precious Metals Act.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.

Following the September 2023 operation, the matter was referred to the Hawks priority crime specialised investigation unit for further investigation and asset forfeiture proceedings.

Last week, the High Court in Pretoria then granted the forfeiture order sought by the Hawks.

“This operation highlights the relentless efforts of law enforcement and the Hawks priority crime specialised investigation unit in combating illegal mining activities,” said Ramovha.

Meanwhile, people found on the property engaging in the minerals processing - David Dlamini, 20; Julius Dlamini, 21; Martin Marie, 22; Werna Marie, 47; Thobela Jeremiah Zamdamela, 45; Musawenkosi Ngema, 36; and Gwambe Lopez, 28, have appeared before the Vereeniging Regional Court on Thursday.