Asset Forfeiture Unit seizes properties worth over R12 million belonging to illegal mining kingpins

The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has issued a preservation order valued at over R12.1 million to the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to preserve a range of movable and immovable properties belonging to suspects closely associated with a notorious Zama-Zama syndicate.

The suspects include Chimene Mlambo, Elias Christopher Ngobeni, Nason Ngobeni, and Alex Sithole.

NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the order encompasses a total of 10 immovable properties valued at R11.3 million linked to Mlambo, along with 19 movable properties.

Additionally, it covers the immovable properties worth R315,000 and seven movable items belonging to Nason Ngobeni. Furthermore, it includes two immovable properties valued at R460,000 and two movable properties associated with Ngobeni, as well as six movable properties linked to Sithole. Moreover, Shallwin (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Ngobeni, also has two movable properties covered under this order.

Mahanjana said the execution of the preservation order was undertaken by the AFU, in collaboration with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation’s (DPCI) Tactical Operations Management Section and the Priority Crimes Specialised Investigations (PCSI) team. These units worked together at various locations to ensure that the order was effectively enforced.

"During the operation, auctioneers who formed part of the team seized three vehicles belonging to Sithole, as well as a vehicle and trailer belonging to Mlambo. Investigations are ongoing to trace and seize all outstanding vehicles not recovered during the execution of the order," she said.

She added that the next phase for the AFU includes applying for a final forfeiture order. Once granted, these preserved properties will be sold, with the proceeds placed into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) to ensure that the proceeds are returned to the State.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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