MEDIA STATEMENT
Johannesburg, 3 March 2025 – Public Interest SA welcomes the decisive action taken by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in seizing the assets of Andries Greyvensteyn and other key figures implicated in illicit gold trading and money laundering. This is a critical step toward addressing the deep-rooted criminal networks that have facilitated state revenue losses and financial crimes within South Africa’s gold sector.
However, despite mounting evidence of financial misconduct and extensive investigative journalism exposing the operations of the so-called "gold mafia," the continued inaction of the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is deeply concerning. The failure to effect arrests or initiate prosecutions undermines efforts to combat financial crimes and reinforces the perception of impunity among corrupt individuals and networks.
South Africa remains under increased scrutiny following its greylisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a status that damages the country’s financial credibility and deters foreign investment. The lack of effective law enforcement action against major economic crimes, such as those involving gold smuggling and illicit financial flows, only exacerbates this crisis.
Public Interest SA calls upon the Hawks and the NPA to urgently prioritise the prosecution of individuals involved in these criminal enterprises. If South Africa is to successfully restore confidence in its financial system and meet its international obligations, law enforcement agencies must act decisively and without fear or favour.
We further urge Parliament’s Standing Committee on Finance and the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services to convene urgent hearings to assess why enforcement agencies have yet to take meaningful action despite the overwhelming evidence at their disposal.
Public Interest SA remains committed to advocating for transparency, accountability, and justice in South Africa. We will continue to monitor this matter closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that those responsible for economic crimes are held to account.
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Bagaetsho Oteng