'Illegal' dealer's R9m worth of gold bars forfeited to the state

A forfeiture order of over R9m worth of gold bars has been granted against a 34-year-old man who allegedly tried to smuggle the gold into the country last year.

This follows an investigation by the Hawks Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI).

Masnire Tashinga Nyasa was arrested in May last year by members of the Hawks' Serious Organised Crime with the assistance of customs officials at OR Tambo International Airport after he landed from neighbouring Zimbabwe.

“He consequently appeared in the Kempton Park magistrate's court facing charges of illegally dealing in precious metals. The court granted him R100,000 bail and he has been in attendance since, [and] his next appearance is scheduled for later this year,” said Hawks spokesperson Capt Lloyd Ramovha.

Last month, the Johannesburg High Court granted the final forfeiture order of the 23 pieces of gold.

sibiyan@sowetan.co.za