NPA Secures Orders over R7.2 Million in Assets Linked to Alleged Illegal Mining
MAHIKENG, 22 September 2026 — The National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has secured three preservation orders over vehicles and mining equipment worth more than R7.2 million in separate North West cases linked to alleged illegal mining.
The largest order covers four excavators and a dump truck valued at approximately R4.27 million. The equipment was seized at Hencor Mining in Kroondal, Rustenburg, on 4 August during a joint operation. According to the NPA, the mining authorisation for the premises had expired, and investigators received information that mining allegedly continued afterwards. The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
A second order covers three trucks and their trailers worth approximately R2.67 million. Police intercepted the vehicles at Bapong Oustad in the Mooinooi policing area on 1 January while they were transporting material suspected to be chrome-bearing ore. The NPA said the drivers could not produce documents authorising the mining and transport of the material. Four accused in that case pleaded guilty and were convicted on 9 June.
The third order concerns a Toyota Hilux valued at approximately R265,000. Police stopped the vehicle on the N12 near Stilfontein on 14 November 2025 and found two bags containing gold-bearing material inside, according to the NPA.
The AFU obtained the orders under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act. The NPA says the assets are alleged to be proceeds of unlawful activity or to have been used in the commission of offences. The preservation orders do not, by themselves, amount to a final forfeiture of the assets.
North West Director of Public Prosecutions Dr Rachel Makhari said the orders formed part of efforts to disrupt illegal mining and target the financial gains associated with organised crime.
“Illegal mining is not only an environmental and economic threat but is often associated with broader organised criminal activity,” Makhari said.
The orders followed work by the AFU, police and the Hawks, the NPA said.
