[ad_1]
Jack Vearey / Getty Images
- On New Year’s Eve, gold bars weighing 73.5 kg were seized from three people at OR Tambo International Airport.
- All three had flown to South Africa from Madagascar.
- They must appear in court where they face charges of trade in precious metals and violation of the Customs Law.
Three people were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after gold bars, with an estimated street value of R61 million, were found in their luggage.
National police spokesman Colonel Athlenda Mathe said the three were arrested on New Year’s Eve after airport security alerted police that a scan of their luggage had revealed irregular items.
“The trio had just flown to South Africa from Madagascar and was heading to Dubai via Ethiopia last week when they were arrested. After questioning the suspects and conducting a more detailed inspection of their carry-on luggage, officials discovered the gold bars. and some foreign currency. ” Mathe said.
The gold, which weighed 73.5 kg, was seized along with the currency under the Customs and Excise Law and the Exchange Control Regulations.
READ | 7 Arrested, R8m In Items Seized From Illegal Gold Processing Refinery In West Rand
Mathe also said that the Priority Criminal Investigation Directorate (DPCI), with the assistance of Interpol, was investigating the matter to “determine the legitimacy of the certification documents provided by the men and also to determine the country of origin where the man was located. gold. mined “.
“Investigations will also focus on which country the gold bars were destined for.”
All three are expected to appear in Kempton Park Magistrates Court on Monday, where they face charges of trafficking in precious metals and violation of Customs Law.
Do you want to know more about this topic? Sign up to receive one of 33 News24 newsletters to receive the information you want in your inbox. There are special newsletters available to subscribers.
We live in a world where fact and fiction blur
In uncertain times you need journalism you can trust. For only R75 per month, you have access to a world of in-depth analysis, investigative journalism, leading opinions, and a variety of features. Journalism strengthens democracy. Invest today in the future.
