SARS finds copper, gold during inspections
PRETORIA: South African Revenue Services (SARS) on Monday uncovered gold estimated at the value of R24 million and copper cables worth approximately R14 000 at Beitbridge Border Post.
© Scanrail – za.fotolia.com
SARS said this was uncovered during an inspection of a Toyota Quantum microbus at the Beitbridge Border Post.
"The occupants of the vehicle sped off. SARS officials pursued the vehicle. The occupants abandoned the vehicle at Waterpoort, Limpopo and fled the scene," SARS said.
It said a thorough inspection of the vehicle, under the supervision of the South African Police Service (SAPS), revealed 52 kilograms in gold bars and 279 kilograms of copper in false compartments in the vehicle.
"The recovered copper and gold is currently being processed at the SAPS Laboratories and the matter is being investigated further by the SAPS," said SARS.