On Wednesday, IOL reported that three people, including a father and son, have been arrested in connection with the possession of gold, platinum, and cash totalling roughly R10.2 million in Gauteng.

The three suspects were apprehended by the Hawks on Monday.

Hawks provincial spokesperson in Gauteng, Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, said the operation was initiated at Crownwood Office Park, where two suspects were intercepted in their vehicles.

"One accused was found with R100,000 in cash, while the other had R70,000. These amounts are suspected to be proceeds from the illegal sale of gold," Ramovha said.

Initial enquiries found that the facilities were allegedly functioning as an unauthorised gold dealership with expired permits. A check of the site revealed considerable quantities of gold and platinum ingots worth around R5 million, as well as cash surpassing R5 million.

Further searches of the offices turned up other evidence, such as scales, calculators, and safes.

The accused men, aged 22, 62, and 24, were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Ramovha said the trio faces allegations of illegally possessing and trafficking gold and second-hand jewellery without appropriate permissions.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL