Sasolburg High Court Sentences Three for Precious Metals Crimes

Sasolburg: The Sasolburg High Court has imposed a sentence on three individuals involved in the illegal possession of precious metals and money laundering. The court's decision, dated 24 July 2025, addressed charges related to the acquisition, possession, and disposal of precious metals, money laundering, and illegal immigration. According to South African Police Service, the case dates back to November 2023 when the Hawks received intelligence regarding illegal gold purchases from the accused in Welkom, later transported to Gauteng. An integrated team, led by the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime Investigation in Welkom and supported by the Head Office's Precious Metals and Diamonds, Public Order Police, and local Protea Coin Security, apprehended Progress Bayeni Mlambo (44), Leonard Robert Moyo (47), and Leonard Kocanai Sithole (28). During the arrest, authorities confiscated over R4 million in cash, four vehicles, and sixteen unwrought gold nuggets found in one of the vehicles. The Hawks, alongside the Nati onal Prosecuting Authority, successfully secured a forfeiture order for the seized gold and cash. The court sentenced Progress Bayeni Mlambo to a fine of R250,000 or nine years imprisonment for violating the Precious Metals Act. He received an additional R250,000 fine or nine years imprisonment for money laundering. Leonard Robert Moyo was fined R100,000 for contravention of the Precious Metals Act. Leonard Kocanai Sithole received a 12-month imprisonment sentence, suspended for five years, contingent on not violating the Immigration Act during the suspension period. The court also ordered his immediate deportation. Major General Mokgadi Bokaba, Provincial Head of the Hawks in the Free State, praised the collaborative efforts of all involved entities in securing this outcome.