Asset Forfeiture Unit Secures R1.5bn Seizure Order

The Asset Forfeiture Unit, working with a specialised illegal mining unit in the South African Police Service, has successfully secured a provisional preservation of property order, targeting assets valued at over R1.5 billion.

SANews reports that the frozen assets encompass a farm in Carolina, coal, cars, and heavy-duty machinery linked to an alleged illegal mining operation in Mpumalanga.

Monica Nyuswa, the National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson, disclosed that about 270,000 tons of coal were reportedly illegally mined over two years by GNJ Mining on two portions of the farm.

GNJ Mining operated without lawful authorisation from the Department of Mineral Resources and the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs.

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The estimated market value of the illegally mined coal amounted to about R264 million.

Nyuswa detailed that the seizure follows the arrest of an individual during a raid on the farm, where the SAPS uncovered the extent of the illegal coal mining operation.

Paul Boshoff, the illegal Mine Manager, was arrested, and the unit seized assets at the farm and Droogvalley during the operation.

Boshoff appeared in court the day after his arrest, and the criminal case is scheduled for February 16, 2024, in the Carolina Magistrates’ Court.

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Picture: Facebook / The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa

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