NPA seizes vehicles of alleged illegal mining kingpins in Pretoria

Five vehicles belonging to alleged illegal mining kingpins who are currently appearing in the Pretoria High Court have been seized by the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU).

The High Court granted the NPA a preservation order valued at over R12.1 million to preserve movable and immovable properties belonging to individuals directly or indirectly linked to members of a Zama-Zama syndicate.

The alleged illegal mining kingpins include Chimene Mlambo, Elias Christopher Ngobeni, Nason Ngobeni, and Alex Sithole.

The NPA’s spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana says they will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to ensure that assets derived from criminal activities are forfeited to the State.

“The preservation order was executed by the AFU, together with DPCI’s Tactical Operations at various identified properties. During the operation, the team managed to seize five vehicles. The next step is for the AFU to apply for a final forfeiture order. Once granted, the preserved properties will be sold, and the proceeds deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account, ensuring that the proceeds of crime are returned to the State to support the fight against crime.”