R17 million platinum haul: Rustenburg contractor arrested

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – A 38-year-old mine contractor has been arrested after Hawks investigators allegedly found 5,840kg of processed platinum, valued at approximately R17 million, in a truck leaving a Rustenburg mine.

Ayanda Mjulwa appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 5 August 2026, facing charges of theft of precious metals and unlawful possession of platinum metals.

According to Hawks spokesperson warrant officer Nkosinathi Ndlovu, Mjulwa was arrested on Monday, 3 August, by the Rustenburg-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation team following an investigation into allegations of a planned theft of platinum metals at a mine in Rustenburg.

Investigators acted on information received and, together with mine security personnel, reportedly spotted a truck driven by the suspect exiting the mine refinery checkpoint. The truck was allegedly intercepted outside the mine premises and searched. Hawks members reportedly discovered 5,840kg of processed platinum, valued at approximately R17 million, inside the vehicle.

Mjulwa was subsequently arrested and appeared in court two days later. He was remanded in custody until Tuesday, 18 August 2026, for a formal bail application. Investigations continue.