Zimbabweans arrested with R4m worth of unwrought gold in SA

Johannesburg - Three people were arrested for being in possession of R4m worth of unwrought gold in Johannesburg, the Hawks said on Friday.

"The investigators received information of an alleged illegal gold transaction to be concluded at a security complex in Brakpan," spokesperson Hangwani Mulaudzi said.

"A 36-year-old suspect was caught processing gold."

A follow-up investigation led to the arrest of two Zimbabwean men aged 36, in Morningside, Johannesburg.

Unprocessed gold worth more than R4m and two luxury cars were confiscated.

"Further investigations are ongoing to determine if the three suspects were part of a bigger syndicate dealing in precious metals."

Hawks acting head Major General Mthandazo Ntlemeza said the operation should serve as a warning to gold smugglers.

"Anyone wanting to do the same thing tomorrow will now think twice."

The three were expected to appear in the Brakpan Magistrate's Court on Monday.