Suspected illegal mining kingpins arrested in Gauteng

The suspects have allegedly been buying gold-bearing materials from zama zamas in the area.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale says it's part of an ongoing project which began in 2018 called Gillette. 

"Six transactions were conducted to the value of R500 000. The suspects are alleged to be buying gold-bearing materials from the zama zamas, process it and sell it to the next level in the hierachy. 

"Today, six suspects aged between 35 and 60 were arrested in Carletonville and Khutsong where several high-performance vehicles were seized. The multi-disciplinary team also seized homemade firearms."

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"The suspects will appear in the Carletonville Magistrate's Court tomorrow, 05 October 2022 on charges of money laundering, dealing in illegal precious metals and fraud."

In August, eight women were robbed and raped while shooting a music video in Krugersdorp on Gauteng's West Rand.

Police allege that the perpetrators are believed to be illegal miners.

Since the incident, police have arrested over 80 illegal miners who have appeared in court.