Brits – Police in the North West arrested seven persons in Rustenburg and Brits on Wednesday, (7 August 2024), on suspicion of illegally dealing in stolen precious metals with an estimated value of R350 million.
North West Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said the suspects were arrested following information about theft at a mine in Rustenburg.
A team of law enforcers including Hawks from North West and KwaZulu-Natal Hawks, DPCI Head Office’s Tactical Operations officials, SA Police Service Airwing, and Digital Forensic Laboratory participated in the raid.
“The team simultaneously raided the two premises this morning and pounced on the suspects,” said Lieutenant Colonel Mathebula.
The alleged stolen platinum, with an estimated value of R350 million, was found in Rustenburg and Brits from where it was to be sold.
The suspects will appear in the Brits and Rustenburg Magistrates courts in the North West on Thursday, (8 August 2024).
Commenting on the arrests, North West Hawks Head Major General Patrick Mbotho said: “This is a major breakthrough in our ongoing disruptive operations to clamp down on illegal mining activities in this province”.
