The Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela has granted a forfeiture order for seven vehicles worth a combined R930,000 following a Hawks investigation into an alleged illegal gold-buying syndicate.
The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit, working with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, secured the order on 11 November.
According to the Hawks, the case dates back to 2021, when investigators received information that a group of individuals were allegedly buying gold from illegal miners, known as zama zamas, and selling it on the black market in Gauteng.
The operation led to the arrest of three suspects. A subsequent financial analysis uncovered daily cash deposits into various accounts linked to the accused, amounting to more than R4.4 million.
Investigators say the money was allegedly used to purchase a house in Barberton and several high-end vehicles.
Hawks spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, said the financial probe was key to securing the order.
“This investigation shows that we are not only arresting suspects but also dismantling the financial gains that fuel criminal enterprises,” she said.
Following the asset-tracing investigation, authorities obtained a forfeiture order against seven vehicles belonging to two of the three accused.
Mpumalanga Hawks head, Major General Nico Gerber, said the order demonstrated the commitment of law-enforcement agencies to go after the proceeds of crime, praising the cooperation between the Hawks and the NPA.
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