South Africa: Two men arrested for unlawful possession of gold worth R15 million

Two men appeared in court following their arrest by the Hawks in Brakpan for unlawfully possessing gold valued at R15 million.

Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha, identified the accused as 33-year-old Zimbabwean Joachim Chivayo and 20-year-old South African Ayanda Brian Gungwa.

In a statement, Ramovha explained “The Gauteng Hawks’ serious organised crime investigation team, in collaboration with their head office counterparts, achieved a significant breakthrough in their fight against illegal precious metal trading by arresting the two suspects involved in the unlawful possession of gold,” said Ramovha.

The operation, executed on Tuesday at approximately 1:15 pm, was described as meticulously planned. The two suspects were apprehended while attempting to sell six bars of unwrought gold, allegedly looking for a buyer.

Ramovha said the two were apprehended while they were in possession of six bars of unwrought gold, as they were attempting to find a buyer for the minerals.

“The suspects, Joachim Chivayo, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national, and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a 20-year-old South African citizen, were promptly arrested at Helderwyk Estate. The seized gold, valued at approximately R15 million, underscores the gravity of the crime,” said Ramovha.

He said the law enforcement agents also seized a Mercedes Benz sport utility vehicle during the arrest of the two men – Chivayo and Gungwa.

The two men have have been charged with illegal possession of gold, and contravening the Precious Metals Act. The case was registered at Brakpan police station.

The duo made their first court appearance on Wednesday, and they were both remanded in custody.

The security agency said investigations are underway to trace the origins of the gold and to identify any additional suspects involved in the illegal trade.