By Leonnel Mhuka
Joacham Chivayo, a 33-year-old Zimbabwean national, and Ayanda Brian Gungwa, a 20-year-old South African, were apprehended on Tuesday in Helderwyk Estate, South Africa. The Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation team arrested the duo during a sting operation, seizing six bars of unwrought gold valued at approximately R15 million.
However, a social media user said: I studied with that guy at ZRP (in Zimbabwe) his name is Naison Chivayo, he is not Ayanda Gungwa that is a fake name, that is his older brother.
The arrests occurred at 1:15 PM as the suspects were trying to sell the gold illegally. Both men have been charged under the Precious Metals Act (Act 37 of 2005) for possessing the gold without proper authorization. Their case is registered at Brakpan Police Station, and they appeared in court yesterday, November 27, 2024. The court remanded them in custody.
Investigators are now working to trace the origin of the gold and identify any other suspects linked to this illegal trade. The operation is being hailed as a major success in South Africa’s efforts to combat the unlawful trade in precious metals.
This arrest serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal activities threatening the country’s mineral resources.
