A 33-year-old Zimbabwean man, Joachim Chivayo, and 20-year-old South African citizen Ayanda Brian Gungwa were arrested in South Africa on Tuesday for the unlawful possession of gold worth R15 million.
Joachim is the young brother of controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
As reported by IOL, the two men appeared in court following their arrest by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, commonly known as the Hawks, in Brakpan.
Gauteng Hawks spokesperson, Captain Lloyd Ramovha, confirmed that the duo was found in possession of six bars of unwrought gold. Said Ramovha:
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.
On Tuesday, at approximately 1:15 PM, the dedicated team executed a meticulously planned operation, leading to the successful arrests of the suspects.
Ramovha said Chivayo and Gungwa were arrested as they were attempting to find a buyer for the minerals. He said:
he 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.
Captain Ramovha also said that law enforcement agents seized a Mercedes Benz SUV during the arrest of Chivayo and Gungwa.
The two men have been charged with illegal possession of gold and violating the Precious Metals Act. The case has been registered at the Brakpan police station.
Both suspects made their first court appearance on Wednesday and were remanded in custody.
The Hawks have confirmed that further investigations are underway to trace the origin of the gold and identify any additional suspects involved in the illegal trade.
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