The three, who had arrived in the country from Madagascar, appeared in the Kempton Park Magistrate's Court on Monday on charges of the illegal dealing in precious metals and also contravening the Customs Act.

They were arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport by members of a multi-disciplinary team and were destined for Dubai.

According to a statement, there is also the possibility that money laundering and fraud charges would be brought against the accused.

Their case was postponed to 12 January 2021 for further investigation and a formal bail application.

Police said while investigations continue, the Hawks, through Interpol, was in talks with authorities in Madagascar, Dubai and Ethiopia to establish the origin and destination of the gold bars valued at R61 million.

AlgoaFM