[miningmx.com] — Eight people, including two policemen, who are allegedly linked to a “precious metal syndicate” were arrested on Thursday, the Hawks said.
Hawks spokesperson McIntosh Polela said the eight were arrested during simultaneous raids at seven premises in Gauteng, Free State and North West .
“The arrested suspects are higher up in the syndicate – local buyers and final receivers of the precious metals (gold and platinum) who also export internationally,” Polela said in a statement.
One of the suspects was arrested during a controlled delivery of gold, he said.
“He paid a deposit of R20 000, and was arrested shortly afterwards. He was found with the gold, and more precious metals in his possession.”
Polela said the arrests were a result of an investigation called “Project Cauldron”, which began in 2008.
“Today (Thursday) marked the closing of the project, and targeted level three and four of the syndicate.”
Two police officers allegedly involved in corrupt activities were among those arrested, he said.
“One was picked up at his office in Pretoria, and another was arrested at the SAPS 10111 Centre in Midrand. One of the policeman allegedly took confiscated precious metal, sold it to the syndicate and was supplied with fake metal to replace the authentic precious stones he’s alleged to have stolen.
“The second cop was allegedly on the syndicate’s payroll. He allegedly received cash for feeding them with information of investigations.”
Polela said among the premises raided was a refinery, which belongs to a former policeman who once worked at the Precious Metal unit.
“Since the beginning of the investigation, assets to the value of R6.8m (with help from the Assets Forfeiture Unit) have been seized.
Polela said: “R47 000 in cash, €20 000 as well as two luxurious vehicles, documentary and electronic evidence were seized during today’s raids.”
The eight were charged with theft (of precious metals), possession, dealing and acquisition of precious metals, money laundering, racketeering and defeating the hands of justice.
