A multi-million rand illicit gold refinery mine dismantled and perpetrators sought

GAUTENG – An intelligence-driven operation has led to the shutdown of an illicit gold refinery in Witfontein, west of Johannesburg.

The sting operation was conducted in the early hours on Wednesday, 04 September 2019 comprising of the Hawks, Rand West Municipality, Westrand K9 Unit and Department of Agriculture. The integrated team dismantled an illegal gold refinery with an estimated value of over an R1 million rand.
The team seized about thirty tons of gold concentrate soil, mercury, two pendulous illegally connected to an electric motor, cellphones, drums and chemicals.

The perpetrators fled the scene however they are being sought by police. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact their nearest police station immediately or dial Crime Stop on 08600 10111.