By Cebelihle Bhengu.
The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria granted the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit preservation orders of over R16 million to withhold assets belonging to illegal mining kingpins.
According to a joint statement by the NPA and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (better known as the Hawks) on Wednesday, 51 vehicles and seven properties were proceeds of an illegal mining syndicate in Carletonville and Khutsong.
NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana and Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, said the court issued the orders in July and August in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.
They said this was part of the fight against illegal mining.
The alleged kingpins dealing in unwrought gold are:
Bethuel Ngobeni;
Lerato Bathebeng;
Poppy Mathongwane;
Bongani Khumalo;
Dumisani Moyo;
Kesitaal Pty Ltd, a company belonging to Moyo;
Nhlanhla Leon Magwaca;
Neo Susan Duba;
Tsepo Dube;
Itumeleng Rejoice Magagane;
Gloria Kgalalelo Magagane;
Nhlanhla Mathebula;
Manuel Nhamucho;
Thabiso Sechele; and
A foreign national whose identity is still being verified.
Mahanjana and Mogale said six people were arrested after an investigation by the Hawks.
Five are in custody. Moyo, who was the sixth arrested, was released on bail.
Mahanjana and Mogale said some of the seven properties belong to four of the suspects arrested.