Gauteng Hawks Head Among Two Senior Police Officers Arrested Over Illicit Precious Metals Trade
- Two senior police officers and a civilian were arrested on Sunday, 10 May 2026, following lengthy investigations by law enforcement
- The intensive investigations, which focused on illegal precious metals, were carried out by the Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS)
- South Africans reacted to the arrests, with many crediting Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi for sparking the crime-fighting
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG – Two senior police officers and a civilian have been arrested as police continue to work towards dismantling criminal networks in the country.
The arrests are linked to the illegal dealing and unlawful possession of precious metals. One of the officers arrested belongs to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Gauteng.
His name is known to Briefly News, but he can’t be named until he appears in court. The other officer is reportedly not based in Gauteng.
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Arrests effected by Gauteng Counter-Intelligence Operations
According to anti-crime activist Yusuf Abramjee, the arrests come after intensive investigation by Gauteng Counter Intelligence Operations (GCI-OPS). The investigation was carried out into allegations involving illicit precious metals transactions, corruption and related criminal activities.
Police also confirmed that the arrests are part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks that are involved in the illegal trade of precious minerals. The suspects are expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 10 May 2026.
South Africans react to the arrests
Social media users weighed in on the arrests, with many noting that it stemmed from the decision to close the Political Killings Task Team and take the dockets, which in turn sparked Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi into action.
Sphe J Hadebe said:
“Remember a man who was sitting in KZN, minding his own business, and the only thing he wanted was his 121 dockets.”
Vusi J Malema agreed:
“Effects of 6 July. He was minding his business in KZN, and they took dockets to Gauteng.”
Pheello ShadesAuthor Moiketsi stated:
“121 missing dockets will lead to 121 arrests.”
Siyanda Jack noted:
“When you think Mkhwanazi has forgotten about you, then boom, you are arrested by the PKTT.”
Abutii Fatso said:
“If he were given the 121 dockets, we wouldn't be here.”
Katleho Modibedi Mokoena claimed:
“Mchunu really opened a can of worms with that letter he sent on New Year's Eve 2024. Now the whole police department is getting arrested.”
Bornwise PG said:
“They will curse the day they disbanded the PKTT.”
Michelle Grant noted:
“These guys must hate weekends. Every single weekend, the next one or two are arrested.”
Ntombi Ngwenya Mona stated:
“I’m waiting for Sibiya’s arrest.”
Major General Firoz Khan was taken into custody
Briefly News also reported that law enforcement officials conducted a search and seizure operation at an upmarket apartment block in Houghton.
Major General Feroz Khan's apartment was raided during the operation, and the Crime Intelligence member was arrested.
Social media users reacted to the news, saying that none of this would have happened if General Mkhwanazi had been left alone.
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Source: Briefly News
