South African Correspondent
Johannesburg, South Africa – In a significant crackdown on illegal precious metal trading, the South African Police Service’s elite Hawks unit has arrested a Zimbabwean man and his South African accomplice for the possession of gold worth an estimated R15 million (approximately $780,000).
The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Joacham Chivayo, the brother of controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, and 20-year-old Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a South African citizen, were apprehended on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at Helderwyk Estate in Johannesburg.
According to a statement from the Hawks, the dedicated investigative team “achieved a significant breakthrough in their fight against illegal precious metal trading” with the arrests.
“On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at approximately 1.15PM the dedicated team executed a meticulously planned operation, leading to the successful arrests of the suspects. The individuals were apprehended while in possession of six bars of unwrought gold, as they were attempting to find a buyer,” the Hawks said.
Both Chivayo and Gungwa have been charged with illegal possession of gold, contravening the Precious Metals Act, Act 37 of 2005. They made their first court appearance on Wednesday and were remanded in custody.
The acting provincial head of the Hawks in Gauteng, Brigadier Paulina Sekgobela, expressed the agency’s commitment to upholding the law and protecting the country’s valuable resources.
“The Gauteng Hawks remain steadfast in our commitment to uphold the law and protect our nation’s valuable resources,” Sekgobela said.
The Hawks have initiated further investigations to trace the origin of the gold and identify any additional suspects involved in this illegal trade.
Joacham Chivayo, the younger brother of Wicknell Chivayo, is known to be frequently seen in the company of his elder sibling, who has faced corruption allegations in the past.
Zim GBC News©2024