IT TOOK half a day for 17 people, who include three women, to plead in the Bloemfontein High Court on a string of charges which include dealing in, and illegal possession of, gold.
The accused have all pleaded not guilty.
Among the suspects are siblings Sibusiso, Rise and MacDonald Msimango. The three Zimbabwean nationals are alleged to be the ringleaders and brains behind the syndicate. Their elder brother, Sifelani, who was also a suspect, died last week in a car accident.
The suspects are facing more than 100 charges which include theft of gold, possession of gold, illegal refining and processing gold, money laundering and racketeering.
The brothers allegedly bought a number of properties in Free State and a fleet of vehicles through the scam.
The case was postponed to a later date.
Zama zamas' face music
IT TOOK half a day for 17 people, who include three women, to plead in the Bloemfontein High Court on a string of charges which include dealing in, and illegal possession of, gold.
The accused have all pleaded not guilty.
Among the suspects are siblings Sibusiso, Rise and MacDonald Msimango. The three Zimbabwean nationals are alleged to be the ringleaders and brains behind the syndicate. Their elder brother, Sifelani, who was also a suspect, died last week in a car accident.
The suspects are facing more than 100 charges which include theft of gold, possession of gold, illegal refining and processing gold, money laundering and racketeering.
The brothers allegedly bought a number of properties in Free State and a fleet of vehicles through the scam.
The case was postponed to a later date.