HAWKS arrest seven suspects and seize alleged stolen platinum estimated at R350 million

RUSTENBURG – The Hawks’ North West Serious Organized Crime Investigation Unit in collaboration with KwaZulu-Natal Hawks, DPCI Head Office’s Tactical Operations Management Section, SAPS Airwing and Digital Forensic Laboratory (DFL) arrested seven suspects aged between 34 and 67 in Rustenburg and Brits on Wednesday, 07 August 2024, for alleged illegal dealing in precious metals, illegal possession of precious metals, and theft of precious metals.

Their arrest follows information received about theft of suspected platinum group material at a mine in Rustenburg. The alleged stolen platinum, estimated at R350 million, was kept in Rustenburg and Brits for sale. The team simultaneously raided the two premises this morning and pounced on the suspects.

The suspects will appear in the Brits and Rustenburg Magistrates’ Courts on Thursday, 08 August 2024. North West Hawks Head, Major General Patrick Mbotho, has commended the team’s efforts. “This is a major breakthrough in our ongoing disruptive operations to clamp down on illegal mining activities in this province,” said General Mbotho.