Gold bars destined for sale in Gauteng were intercepted in transit by police recently. Now, two men have appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court today, 15 May 2025, for the possession of suspected stolen property and unwrought gold worth R16-million. Daniel Schubert, 61, and Adriaan Petrus du Plessis, 49, were arrested following an intensive investigation by the Germiston-based Serious Organized Crime Investigation Unit.
Gold bars discovered in bag
It is alleged the Investigation Unit received information that a grey BMW would be travelling from the Free State province to Gauteng with the aim of selling gold at their destination. A multi-disciplinary team comprising the Serious Organized Crime Unit of the Hawks and the Gauteng SAPS Flying Squad had spotted the identified vehicle on the R21, which was successfully pulled over. Upon searching, both the vehicle and the occupants, the team discovered a bag containing 80 x 100 gram gold bars with an estimated value of R16 million.
Gold bars no documentation
It is alleged that Schubert and du Plessis could not furnish the officers with documentation to be transporting such materials and were subsequently arrested for unlawful possession of unwrought and possession of suspected stolen property. The matter has been remanded to 22 May 2025 for a formal bail application while the pair remains in custody.
Police commend swift arrests
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Gauteng province, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended the team for their outstanding work. Said Major General Kadwa: “The Hawks remain steadfast in their mission to dismantle illegal mining and smuggling networks. Criminals must understand that no one is beyond the reach of the law. We will continue to use every available resource to combat these unlawful activities that exploit our country’s precious metals for personal gain.”