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Lust for ‘Red Gold’ Fuels Crime Wave in South Africa: Report
[Image: A South African police officer guarding a gold mine. Source: ABC News]
Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African Police Service (SAPS) has sounded the alarm over a sharp increase in gold-related crimes, with the value of stolen gold rising by 30% in the past year alone. The alarming trend has been attributed to the growing demand for the precious metal, which is driving a wave of armed robberies, theft, and smuggling across the country.
According to the SAPS, the value of stolen gold in South Africa has skyrocketed from R100 million (approximately USD 6.8 million) in 2018 to R130 million (approximately USD 9.2 million) in 2022. The organization has warned that the growing demand for gold is creating a lucrative market for criminal networks, who are exploiting the country’s mining sector.
"We are experiencing a surge in gold-related crimes, including armed robberies, theft, and smuggling," said Brigadier Lindelwa Ngqentani, spokesperson for the SAPS. "The value of stolen gold has increased significantly, and we are working tirelessly to investigate and bring perpetrators to book."
The SAPS has identified several hotspots across the country, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and the Witwatersrand region, where the majority of South Africa’s gold reserves are located. The organization has also warned of a growing trend of "cash-in-transit" heists, where gangs target armored vehicles carrying gold and other valuables.
Industry experts have attributed the rise in gold-related crimes to the growing demand for the precious metal, driven by its use in jewelry, coins, and investment portfolios. The global gold price has risen by 10% in the past year, making it a highly lucrative commodity for criminals.
"The demand for gold is driving the crime wave in South Africa," said Solly Moeng, spokesperson for the Minerals Council South Africa. "Criminal networks are exploiting the country’s mining sector, and we are working with law enforcement agencies to prevent these crimes and bring perpetrators to book."
The SAPS has launched a number of initiatives to combat the rise in gold-related crimes, including increased patrols in mining areas, improved forensic capabilities, and enhanced cooperation with international law enforcement agencies.
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- Johannesburg
- Pretoria
- Witwatersrand
- Mining Sector
- Cash-in-transit Heists
- Armed Robberies
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- Smuggling
- Global Gold Price
- Investment Portfolios
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Related News Articles:
- "South Africa’s Gold Mining Sector Faces Uncertain Future"
- "Gold Demand Boosts South African Mining Output"
- "South African Police Crack Down on Cash-in-transit Heists"
- "Global Gold Price Rises to Multi-Year High"
- "South Africa’s Economic Prospects Improve with Rising Gold Price"
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