South Africa's Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged illegal trade in unwrought gold and platinum following an investigation spanning Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces. The suspects, aged between 33 and 62, were arrested on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Four were apprehended in Bedfordview, Gauteng, while …
Five charged over alleged gold and platinum theft from South African mines
South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) has arrested five suspects in connection with the alleged illegal trade in unwrought gold and platinum following an investigation spanning Gauteng, Limpopo and North West provinces.
The suspects, aged between 33 and 62, were arrested on Thursday, July 9, 2026. Four were apprehended in Bedfordview, Gauteng, while the fifth was arrested in Thabazimbi, Limpopo.
According to the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit, the arrests followed investigations into allegations that employees of mining companies in the North West and Limpopo provinces stole gold and platinum from the mines before selling the precious metals to a business operating in Bedfordview.
Authorities estimate the value of the alleged stolen unwrought precious metals at more than R150,000.
During searches at the Bedfordview business premises, investigators seized two vehicles—an Audi and a Mercedes-Benz—a Niton XL2 Precious Metal Analyzer, five mobile phones and a laptop as part of the investigation.
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on Monday, July 13, 2026, on charges relating to dealing in unwrought precious metals.
The Hawks said investigations are continuing and indicated that the arrest of two additional suspects is imminent.
