Two men landed in serious legal trouble after Hawks investigators nabbed them for allegedly holding onto gold worth roughly R15 million in Brakpan.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha detailed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Joachim Chivayo, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean, and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a 20-year-old South African citizen. The law enforcement team pulled off a precisely planned operation around 1:15 pm on Tuesday, catching the pair red-handed as they tried selling six bars of unprocessed gold.
The suspects were apprehended at Helderwyk Estate, and authorities also seized a Mercedes-Benz SUV during the bust. Chivayo and Gungwa face charges of illegal gold possession and violating the Precious Metals Act, and the case was formally registered at Brakpan police station.
After their first court appearance on Wednesday, both men were remanded in custody. The Hawks are continuing investigations to track down the gold's origins and potentially uncover additional suspects involved in the illegal trading network. Acting Gauteng Hawks provincial head Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela praised her team's efforts, emphasizing their commitment to protecting national resources through meticulous law enforcement.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha detailed the arrests, identifying the suspects as Joachim Chivayo, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean, and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a 20-year-old South African citizen. The law enforcement team pulled off a precisely planned operation around 1:15 pm on Tuesday, catching the pair red-handed as they tried selling six bars of unprocessed gold.
The suspects were apprehended at Helderwyk Estate, and authorities also seized a Mercedes-Benz SUV during the bust. Chivayo and Gungwa face charges of illegal gold possession and violating the Precious Metals Act, and the case was formally registered at Brakpan police station.
After their first court appearance on Wednesday, both men were remanded in custody. The Hawks are continuing investigations to track down the gold's origins and potentially uncover additional suspects involved in the illegal trading network. Acting Gauteng Hawks provincial head Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela praised her team's efforts, emphasizing their commitment to protecting national resources through meticulous law enforcement.
