By OBAKENG MAJE
One suspect has been arrested by the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Klerksdorp for being in possession of unwrought gold. Sam Nxumalo (58) briefly appeared in the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on 10 November 2023.
The Hawks spokesperson in North West, Lieutenant Colonel Tinyiko Mathebula said, the members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation in collaboration with the Klerksdorp District Illicit Mining Task Team received a tip-off on Thursday about a suspect, who was allegedly spotted in possession of suspected gold in Klerksdorp CBD.
Mathebula said the information was operationalized and the team pounced on the suspect. He further said, the suspect was searched and a gold button as well as red soil suspected to be gold-bearing material, were found in his possession.
“The team further searched the suspect’s house, which led to a discovery of red, black, and grey soil suspected to be gold-bearing material. The suspect was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of unwrought gold.
“He appeared in court this morning and his matter was postponed to 15 November 2023 for formal bail application,” said Mathebula.
Meanwhile, the North West Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Major General Patrick Mbotho, welcomed the arrest and expressed gratitude for the positive information received from an informant.
The Guardian 