The six alleged ‘zama zama’ (illegal mining) kingpins, who were arrested in a blitz by the Hawks on Tuesday, appeared in the Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court in Gauteng on Wednesday, 5 October.
ZAMA ZAMA KINGPINS IN COURT
As previously reported, the Hawks and the Department of Home Affairs raided the suspects’ homes in Carletonville and Khutsong in an operation that started early on Tuesday. More than a dozen high-performance vehicles and a truck were seized as they are believed to have been paid for with the proceeds of crime.
All these cars belong to the zamazama kingpins. They have been seized by the Hawks. The Hawks said their focus will now be on who buys the gold dust from zamazamas. HAWKS' Colonel Katlego Mogale said whoever is involved in the chain will be arrested
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READ: Hawks raid ‘zama zama’ kingpins’ homes, seize luxury vehicles
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the six accused suspects – Bethuel Ngobeni, Dumisa Moyo, Nhlanhla Magwaca, Moseki Sechele, Thabo Sechele and Khudzai Mashaya – appeared in court on Wednesday morning.
They face four charges of fraud, money laundering, possession of drugs, possession of ammunition, and Contravention of the Immigration and Precious Metals Act.
“Two of the accused are confirmed South African citizens whilst the other four’s citizenship is still to be confirmed,” said Mogale.
The so-called kingpins were remanded in custody until 19 October when they are expected to make a formal bail application.
Police Ministry spokesperson, Lirandzu Themba, said the kingpin arrests were part of the Hawks’ “Gilette” operation, which has been ongoing since 2018. It targets suspects who are higher-ups in illegal mining activities.
It is alleged that the suspects buy gold-bearing material from illegal miners and process it before selling it on to individuals higher up in the hierarchy.
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