AFU freezes assets worth over R 12million linked to Zama-Zama syndicate
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The NPA’S Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has once again managed to secure a preservation order against several movable immovable properties belonging to subjects allegedly linked, directly or indirectly to illegal mining syndicates.
The individuals who are at the center of this matter include Chimene Mlambo, Elias Christopher Ngobeni, Nason Ngobeni, and Alex Sithole.
They are currently appearing before the High Court in Pretoria. Lumka Mahanjana from the NPA said that the items\properties attached are estimated to be valued at R 12.1 million.
“The preservation order is against 10 immovable properties worth R11,3 million and 19 movable properties belonging to Mlambo, 3 immovable properties worth R315 000 and 7 movable properties belonging to Nosan Ngobeni, 2 immovable properties worth R460 000 and 2 movable properties belonging to Elias Ngobeni, 6 movable properties belonging to Sithole and 2 movable properties belonging to Shallwin (Pty) Ltd, a company owned by Nason.”
“The preservation order was executed by the AFU, together with DPCI’s Tactical Operations Management Section (Head Office) and the DPCI Priority Crimes Specialised Investigations (PCSI) team, at various identified properties.”
“During the operation, auctioneers who formed part of the team seized three vehicles belonging to Sithole, as well as a vehicle and trailer belonging to Mlambo. Investigations are ongoing to trace and seize all outstanding vehicles not recovered during the execution of the order.”
Mahanjana added that 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 (CARA), ensuring that the proceeds of crime are returned to the State to support the fight against crime.
