Johannesburg – A joint team of lawenforcers comprising the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) K-9 Unit, Hawks, and two Private Security companies has uncovered and dismantled a clandestine gold refinery in Booysens, Johannesburg.
The operation was conducted by following intensive intelligence-gathering and surveillance.
The team raided facility is believed to have been operating as a key processing hub for illegal mining (Zama Zama).
“While the facility holds legal registration to process precious metals, investigations revealed it was illegally processing gold-bearing material for illegal miners, a contravention of its registered mandate,” the JMPD said on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.
“Four suspects were arrested on the scene.
“This includes three individuals, two males and one female, identified as suspected illegal miners (Zama Zamas) and the male manager of the facility.”
The suspects have been formally charged with the contravention of the Precious Metals Act (possession and dealing in precious metals) and bribery after they attempted to bribe the officials with R20 000 for their release.
Gold-bearing material and processed gold with an estimated street value of R1 000 000 were seized.
The facility has been shut down pending further investigation.
JMPD Acting Chief of Police, Acting Commissioner Eldred Fortein, stated: “This joint operation sends a clear message: the JMPD, alongside the Hawks, is aggressively targeting the entire value chain of illegal mining.
“We are not just focusing on the individuals underground, but on the sophisticated, illegitimate infrastructure, like this refinery, that enables illegal miners to operate.
“We will continue to disrupt these criminal networks that threaten the safety and economic stability of our city.”
The arrested suspects are expected to appear in court soon.
The JMPD said together with its stakeholders remains resolute in targeting the criminal enterprises supporting illegal mining activities within the Johannesburg Metropolitan area.
