The Hawks appeal for public help in locating Mayeso Ginora Lufeyo, connected to a R40 million gold and silver bar theft at a Northern Cape farm
The Hawks in the Northern Cape have reached out to the public for assistance in locating a suspect linked to the theft of gold and silver bars worth R40 million from a farm.
In an effort to assist in resolving an ongoing investigation involving the stolen gold and silver bars at Witsloot Farm in Vosburg in November 2022, the Hawk’s Serious Organised Crime Investigation team is seeking the whereabouts of Mayeso Ginora Lufeyo.
Robbery at leased farmhouse
The incident originated from a robbery at a leased farmhouse where the victim and his wife were reportedly confronted by four suspects wearing balaclavas.
“The suspects, armed with firearms including shotguns, robbed them of gold and silver bars valued at R40 million, along with a 22 rifle,” shared Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi.
Upon notification, the police were alerted, and an armed robbery case was initiated. The case was later transferred to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation.
The Hawks suspect that the stolen gold and silver bars may have been sold to unsuspecting buyers.
“Individuals with information regarding the whereabouts of Lufeyo are urged to contact Investigating Officer Warrant Officer Rooiland at 082 770 5219, or reach out to crime stop number 08600 10111, the nearest police station, or share information on MySAPSApp,” Mnisi added.
Fraudulent gold bar sale
In a separate case, Luhan Holtzhausen, the director of Agri IP Pty Ltd, along with her family members Kristi Holtzhausen, Henry Hugo Holtzhausen, and Janene Holtzhausen, recently appeared in the Bela-Bela Magistrate Court facing charges of fraud and money laundering related to a fraudulent gold bar sale.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the accused allegedly advertised seven 100g Perth gold bars on social media, each priced at R120,000.
“A male buyer purchased the bars for a total of R700,000 but later discovered they were counterfeit upon verification in Gauteng,” Ledwaba revealed.
Following the fraudulent sale, the deceived buyer requested a refund, supported by a falsified proof of payment.
Subsequently, investigators traced the money through various bank accounts, including those belonging to the suspect’s family, leading to the issuance of arrest warrants.
While the director was granted bail of R10,000, the other three suspects were each granted bail of R5,000.
