Hawks Arrest 38-Year-Old Suspect After 5 840kg of Processed Platinum Worth R17 Million Allegedly Stolen From Rustenburg Mine Was Found in Truck Leaving the Mine

Ayanda Mjulwa, 38, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, facing charges of theft of precious metals and unlawful possession of platinum metals. Mjulwa was arrested following an investigation into allegations of a planned theft of platinum metals at a mine in Rustenburg by a mine contractor.

The Rustenburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation arrested Mjulwa on Monday, 3 August 2026, after information about the alleged planned theft was operationalised. Members of the investigation team, together with mine security personnel, reportedly spotted a truck driven by the accused leaving the mine refinery checkpoint.

The truck was allegedly intercepted outside the mine premises and searched by the members. During the search, they found a total of 5 840 kilograms of processed platinum, which was valued at R17 million. Mjulwa was subsequently placed under arrest and taken through the court process.

Mjulwa appeared in court and was remanded in custody until 18 August 2026, when he is expected to return for a formal bail application. The case relates to the alleged theft and unlawful possession of the precious metals, while the investigation into the matter continues.