NPA'S AFU SECURES PRESERVATION ORDERS OVER ASSETS WORTH MORE THAN R7.2 MILLION LINKED TO ALLEGED ILLEGAL MINING
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
NPA'S AFU SECURES PRESERVATION ORDERS OVER ASSETS WORTH MORE THAN R7.2 MILLION LINKED TO ALLEGED ILLEGAL MINING
Mahikeng, North West – The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mahikeng has successfully secured three preservation orders, in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 121 of 1998, over assets valued at more than R7.2 million that are believed to be instrumentalities of offences and proceeds of alleged illegal mining activities.
The preservation orders were obtained through the collaborative efforts of the AFU, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the Hawks.
The first preservation order relates to four excavators and a dump truck, valued at approximately R4.27 million, which were seized on 4 August 2026 at Hencor Mining in Kroondal, Rustenburg, during a joint disruptive operation linked to an investigation into alleged unlawful mining activities. Investigations revealed that the mining authorisation for the premises had expired, while information received indicated that mining activities allegedly continued thereafter. The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
The second preservation order concerns three trucks and their trailers, valued at approximately R2.67 million, which were intercepted by SAPS on 1 January 2026 at Bapong Oustad in the Mooinooi policing area while transporting material suspected to be chrome-bearing ore.
The drivers were unable to provide documentation authorising the mining and transportation of the material.
Four accused persons were subsequently convicted after pleading guilty on 9 June 2026.
The third preservation order relates to a Toyota Hilux valued at approximately R265 000, which was intercepted by SAPS on 14 November 2025 along the N12 near Stilfontein.
Two bags containing gold-bearing material were found in the vehicle.
The assets were preserved on the basis that they are alleged to constitute proceeds of unlawful activities and/or instrumentalities of offences listed in Schedule 1 of POCA.
The NPA welcomes the preservation orders as a significant step in disrupting alleged illegal mining operations and preventing assets believed to be linked to criminal activities from remaining in the possession of those who allegedly benefit from such conduct.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the orders and reiterated the NPA's commitment to targeting the financial gains derived from criminal activity.
"Illegal mining is not only an environmental and economic threat but is often associated with broader organised criminal activity.
The preservation of these assets demonstrates the NPA's commitment to ensuring that individuals who allegedly benefit from unlawful activities do not retain the proceeds or instrumentalities of crime.
We will continue working closely with law enforcement agencies to disrupt criminal enterprises and pursue assets linked to criminal conduct," said Dr Makhari.
The NPA remains committed to working with its law enforcement partners to combat organised crime, including illegal mining, and to ensure that assets linked to criminal conduct are dealt with in accordance with the law.
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