Two men arrested after alleged illegal gold refinery uncovered in Pretoria North

Two men are behind bars after police uncovered an alleged illegal gold refinery operating from a smallholding in Rooiwal, Pretoria North.

The discovery followed information received by members of the SAPS K9 Unit about suspicious activity at a property on Houtkaper Street.

Rather than move in immediately, police spent several days conducting surveillance to establish whether the information was accurate.

Their observations eventually confirmed the suspected operation, leading investigators to secure a search warrant.

Police raid smallholding after days of surveillance

On Monday, 24 August, a multidisciplinary team descended on the property to execute the warrant.

The operation brought together members of SAPS Pretoria North, the Tshwane K9 Unit, Proshield Security and GAC Security.

Inside the premises, officers found equipment associated with gold refining, along with what police described as an active refining operation.

Four suspects were reportedly on the property when officers arrived.

Two men were arrested at the scene, while two others managed to flee before they could be apprehended.

Police confiscated various exhibits found during the search and booked them into SAPS Pretoria North as part of the ongoing investigation.

Arrested suspects expected in court

The two arrested men were detained at SAPS Pretoria North and were expected to appear in the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 August.

The investigation into the alleged refinery is continuing, with police expected to examine the confiscated equipment and other exhibits as they work to establish the full extent of the operation.

Illegal refining activities can pose serious risks beyond criminality, particularly where industrial processes and equipment are being used outside regulated environments.

Police praise joint operation

Brigadier Kushie Pietersen, Acting District Commissioner of Tshwane, praised the officers and security personnel involved in the operation.

She commended the team for its commitment, professionalism and dedication in carrying out the investigation and executing the search warrant.

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