Three caught with platinum worth R90,000
Three men arrested for possession of platinum were granted R2000 bail each at the Bafokeng Magistrate's Court in Tlhabane near Rustenburg, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) said on Tuesday.
Captain Tlangelani Rikhotso said Witness Madonwa, 23, Muduneni Muqabaniso, 34, and Botshelo Sekalala, 28, appeared in court on Monday, for possession of unwrought precious metals (platinum). Their case was postponed to June 22 for investigation.
She said they were arrested during a disruptive operation by the North West Hawks assisted by SA Police Service K9 unit.
"Information was received from the community alleging the illegal dealing of platinum by certain individuals at Tsitsing. Upon arrival at the address of one of the suspects, 18 bags of platinum and 4 gas bottles were discovered in a shack at the back of the house. The recovered platinum weighed approximately 120kg with an estimated value of R90,000."