Hawks and NPA Secure R7 Million Forfeiture Order in North West Illegal Mining Case
The Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority have secured a major forfeiture order in the North West after seven trucks, allegedly linked to illegal mining activity, were seized in a case valued at more than R7 million.
The order was granted by the North West Division of the High Court of South Africa on 26 June 2026, following an investigation by the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit and the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit.
The case stems from an incident on 13 July 2025, when members of the Mmabatho-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit followed up on information about alleged illegal mining activities in Marulokop village near Mmasebudule.
According to the Hawks and the NPA, officers arrived at the scene and allegedly found seven trucks loaded with 36 tons of chrome. The suspects reportedly failed to produce mining permits or any documents authorising them to load or transport the chrome.
Seven accused, identified as Dennis Madondo, 41, Champion Chamauya, 40, Akim Ncube, 39, Morelife Mayo, 34, Emmanuel Mudege, 37, Israel Kanoupandu, 45, and Philani Zibani, 43, were arrested and charged with illegal mining.
The accused have appeared in the Zeerust Magistrates’ Court on several occasions. They were granted bail on 17 June 2026, and the matter has been postponed to 11 August 2026.
North West Hawks provincial head Major General Nombuso Khoza and North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their work in pursuing the case.
The forfeiture order marks another significant move by law enforcement agencies as authorities intensify efforts to disrupt illegal mining networks and recover assets allegedly linked to criminal activity.
