The recovery was secured by the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit following years of legal battles involving multiple preservation orders and a final forfeiture order granted on 31 October 2024.

The ruling effectively vested the property in the state, paving the way for its return to the municipality.

The land, which had originally been earmarked for critical community development, including low cost housing, public schools and essential amenities, has now been officially handed back.

National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Andy Mothibi presided over the handover on Wednesday, marking a significant victory in the fight against corruption and the recovery of public assets.

Mothibi issued a strong warning to those involved in corruption and the abuse of public trust.

“We want this occasion to serve as a warning to those who seek to enrich themselves through corruption and the abuse of public trust. Illicitly acquired assets will not be enjoyed in peace. They will be pursued. They will be preserved. They will be forfeited,” he said.

The case is not yet fully closed.

Authorities confirmed that the criminal prosecution linked to the matter is in the process of being reinstated, signalling that those responsible may still face legal consequences.

The development underscores the NPA’s dual strategy of not only recovering stolen assets but also ensuring that individuals behind corruption are held criminally accountable.

The recovery is expected to restore much needed development opportunities for the people of Mahikeng, where the land can now be redirected towards its intended public use.

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The order, granted on 13 February 2026, relates to Erf 2B, Erf 58B, Erf 64B and Erf 227B situated on Kremetart Street, Giyani.

According to NPA Limpopo Spokesperson Mashudu Malabi the successful forfeiture is the result of coordinated efforts by the South African Police Service’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), the Anti-Corruption Unit, and the AFU.

“The court accepted the AFU’s submission that there are reasonable grounds to believe the properties constitute proceeds of unlawful activities and/or were used as instruments to commit offences, including: Fraud, theft, and money laundering, Contravention of Limpopo Practice Note on Disposal of Assets (Note No. 05/2007), Breaches of municipal and provincial asset disposal policies, Contraventions of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), Contraventions of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and Treasury Regulations; and Contraventions of sections 5 and 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), including assisting another to benefit from unlawful proceeds and knowingly acquiring or using such property.

“These offences are alleged to have been perpetrated against the National Government and the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure. It is alleged that fraudulent deeds of sale were concluded between the late Fourie Willem Jakobus, Howard Alex Mashaba and Magezi Ben Mashaba (Mashaba Senior), through a company known as Mbangwa Trading and Projects,” she said.

Malabi saif the purported sales involved Erf 2B, Erf 58B, Erf 64B and Erf 227B for amounts ranging from R290 000 to R450 000, with payments allegedly made directly into Jakobus’s personal bank account.

“Despite the purported transactions, the properties were never transferred and remain registered in the name of the National Government and/or the Limpopo Department of Public Works. Notably, the department’s building that once stood on Erf 58B was demolished, and a hotel has since been erected on the property,” she said.

The Director of Public Prosecutions in Limpopo, Advocate Ivy Thenga, welcomed the court order, stating that the AFU will intensify its efforts to pursue high-profile suspects, particularly through its civil forfeiture powers under Chapter 6 of POCA.

“This order demonstrates that crime does not pay. Through the AFU’s civil forfeiture mandate, we can recover stolen state assets and funds, including those concealed in foreign jurisdictions. We will continue to act decisively to safeguard public resources,” she said.

She further commended the collaborative work of the DPCI, the Anti-Corruption Unit and the AFU, emphasising their commitment to accountability and the protection of public assets.

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