Gauteng Hawks Head Ebrahim Kadwa, senior Crime Intelligence officer Major-General Feroz Khan, and businessman Tariq Downes have appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court, facing charges related to the unlawful handling of raw precious metals. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has expressed confidence in their case against the trio, with spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago stating that they have a strong case to answer.
The accused were granted R20 000 bail each, with the State not opposing bail but requesting specific conditions for the two senior police officials. The case is set to return to court on 14 July, with the prosecution preparing to submit the necessary documents. According to Kganyago, the decision to prosecute was made after investigators submitted evidence for assessment, and the NPA is working closely with the police to ensure a fair trial.
Precious Metals Act Charges
The charges against the accused include contravention of the Precious Metals Act, specifically Section 4, as well as defeating the ends of justice. The Act regulates the possession, buying, and selling of precious metals, with the aim of preventing the illegal trade of these metals. The accused are alleged to have handled raw precious metals unlawfully, with Kadwa and Khan accused of defeating the ends of justice.
Investigation and Prosecution
The investigation into the matter was conducted by the Hawks, with the NPA taking over the prosecution. Kganyago stated that the NPA is comfortable that they have a strong case and that the accused have a case to answer. The prosecution is preparing to submit the necessary documents when the matter returns to court, and they are working closely with the police to ensure that the trial is fair and unbiased.
Some of the key points in the case include:
- The accused were granted R20 000 bail each
- The State did not oppose bail but requested specific conditions for the two senior police officials
- The case is set to return to court on 14 July
- The prosecution is preparing to submit the necessary documents
The case has sparked interest in the regulation of precious metals in South Africa, with many calling for stricter laws to prevent the illegal trade of these metals. For more information on the regulation of precious metals, visit the South African Revenue Service website.
