The Citizen reports that the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured three forfeiture orders of R18 million in relation to various properties belonging to illegal mining kingpins.

The NPA confirmed that the orders from the Pretoria High Court are to forfeit various properties belonging to alleged illegal mining kingpins in the West Rand. NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the properties are the proceeds of the unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in the Khutsong area, Carletonville. The three forfeiture orders are for 51 vehicles, seven properties in Khutshong, Carletonville, Potchefstroom, and Krugersdorp, and 16 bank accounts. According to the NPA, the syndicate is mainly made up of foreign nationals from Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and some members acquired SA identity documents fraudulently. Mahanjana said the next step in the case was for the properties to be sold at a public auction and the proceeds to be paid into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Chulumanco Mahamba at The Citizen

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page