Authorities discovered gold bars in the suspects’ possession, for which no documentation could be provided.
Two suspects recently arrested in connection with stolen property — including unwrought gold valued at R16 million — will remain in custody following their court appearance on Thursday.
They appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on the East Rand, where the case was postponed to 22 May for a formal bail application.
Suspects apprehended on R21
Daniel Schubert, 61, and Adriaan Petrus du Plessis, 49, were arrested after Germiston-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation received information about a grey BMW vehicle travelling from the Free State with the aim of selling gold in Gauteng.
Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said a multidisciplinary team comprising the Hawks and the South African Police Service Flying Squad in Gauteng pulled the car over on the R21 highway.
Gold bars worth R16 million
“Upon searching both the vehicle and the occupants, the team discovered a bag containing 80x100g gold bars with an estimated value of R16 million,” Mogale said.
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“The pair could not furnish the officers with documentation to be transporting such materials and were subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of unwrought gold and possession of suspected stolen property,” she added.
‘No one is beyond the reach of the law’
The provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the team for their outstanding work.
He said the Hawks remain steadfast in their mission to dismantle illegal mining and smuggling networks.
“Criminals must understand that no one is beyond the reach of the law. We will continue to use every available resource to combat these unlawful activities that exploit our country’s precious metals for personal gain,” Kadwa said.
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