Alleged syndicate members’ goods confiscated
Authorities confiscated various expensive properties owned by alleged organised criminals linked to zama-zama activities in our area this week.
Authorities confiscated various goods, including luxury cars belonging to members of an alleged crime syndicate linked to illegal mining activities in the area this week.
According to the NPA spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela, the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) based in Germiston, and the National Prosecution Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) held the special operation on Thursday, 8 February. The joint action executed a preservation order granted on 8 January to confiscate goods worth R3,250,440 in Khutsong, Fochville, and Carletonville.
“In 2018, we received information about a syndicate operating in illegal mining around Carletonville, Khutsong and Fochville. The investigation started, and we identified six suspects, including the syndicate leader. The NPA discovered that the suspects bought stolen gold from mine workers and illegal miners (zama-zamas). Through further investigation, the unit identified 17 cars and eight houses bought with the illicit cash,” says Mavimbela.
The NPA arrested six suspects in October 2022 and two more in Carletonville and Khutsong, on 6 September 2023. During a takedown operation in October 2022, they seized 17 cars belonging to the syndicate. Through continuous investigation, the NPA discovered more cars and properties bought by the syndicate but registered through other people.
Among the properties confiscated this week are three vehicles, a Range Rover Evoque, a Mazda CX 3 and a Nissan Navara valued at R2,5 million and valuable household items like televisions, lounge suites, fridges, kitchen appliances and music systems. These goods all came from the proceeds of unlawful activities like dealing in unwrought gold, money laundering and racketeering.
The suspects, Bethuel Ngobeni, Lerato Bathebeng, Poppy Mathongwane, Dumisani Moyo, Nhlanhla Leon Magwaca, Neo Susan Duba and Thabo Sechele, are due back in court for trial in the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria from 29 July to 7 September.
