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GAUTENG. – The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit in Pretoria on Thursday obtained a conservation order for more than R3 m in the High Court for illegal mining activities in terms of the prevention of organised crime Act 122 of 1988.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said it was the fourth order obtained. The order granted on Thursday is to preserve property belonging to Bethuel Ngobeni, Lerato Bathebeng, Poppy Mathongwane, Dumisani Moyo, Nhlanhla Leon Magwaca, Neo Susan Duba and Thabo Sechele because they are believed to be proceeds from illegal activities of a syndicate trading in uncultivated gold in Khutsong and Carletonville.
Mahanjana said the next step is forfeiture orders and when awarded, the properties will be sold on a public safe basis and the cash will be paid into the criminal asset recovery account.
The case against the accused will commence in the High Court on July 24 after it was transferred from Oberholzer Magistrate’s Court.
Charges include money laundering and racketeering.
Mahanjana says prior to the fourth conservation order, the other three orders were obtained for more than R20 m. on 31 July 2023, 7 August 2023 and 30 August 2023 respectively. This includes 55 vehicles, 10 properties in Khutsong and Carletonville, as well as R91 000 in cash and valuable assets. The orders come from an investigation by the director of priority crime investigations during which six accused, allegedly the masterminds behind illegal mining operations and hailing from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, were apprehended along with three of their wives. The six alleged suspects allegedly fraudulently obtained South African identity documents.
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