Key Points
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The Hawks seized a Gauteng plot worth R740,000 after finding illegal gold mining.
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Seven people, including five Zimbabwean nationals, were arrested.
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The Hawks continue to fight illegal mining and protect South Africa’s resources.
The Gauteng property, valued at R740,000, was forfeited to the state after the Hawks raided the site and uncovered an illegal gold mining operation.
The operation, carried out by seven individuals, included five Zimbabwean nationals, who were processing gold-bearing material on the property.
This raid highlights the Hawks’ commitment to combatting illegal mining and protecting South Africa’s natural resources.
Raid and arrests
On September 20, 2023, the Hawks raided a property located on Barbuda Street in Elandsfontein, Walkerville, Gauteng.
They discovered seven suspects processing gold-bearing soil using wheelbarrows to move the material into a building for further gold extraction. Authorities arrested the individuals and charged them under the Precious Metals Act.
The arrested suspects were David Dlamini (20), Julius Dlamini (21), Martin Marie (22), Werna Marie (47), Thobela Jeremiah Zamdamela (45), Musawenkosi Ngema (36), and Gwambe Lopez (28). These individuals appeared in the Vereeniging Regional Court following their arrest.
Forfeiture order and ongoing efforts
Following the raid, the Hawks referred the case to their specialized investigation unit. This unit continued the investigation and pursued asset forfeiture proceedings.
On March 20, 2025, the High Court in Pretoria granted a forfeiture order for the property, valuing it at R740,000.
Lieutenant Colonel Lloyd Ramovha of the Hawks praised the operation, emphasizing their relentless work to halt illegal mining.
Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, the provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, also expressed his support for the forfeiture decision. He reiterated that the Hawks remain dedicated to eliminating illegal mining and preserving South Africa’s resources.
