PRETORIA – The Pretoria High Court has delivered a significant blow to South Africa’s illegal mining networks, granting the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) a preservation order worth over R12.1 million against properties linked to alleged zama-zama kingpins.
The court order targets assets belonging to four individuals connected to a syndicate currently facing charges in the Pretoria High Court: Chimene Mlambo, Elias Christopher Ngobeni, Nason Ngobeni, and Alex Sithole.
Extensive asset network uncovered
The preserved assets paint a picture of substantial wealth accumulated through alleged illegal activities. The court order covers 10 immovable properties worth R11.3 million and 19 movable properties belonging to Mlambo alone, while the Ngobeni brothers and Sithole control additional properties and vehicles worth hundreds of thousands of rand.
During the execution of the preservation order, conducted jointly by the AFU, DPCI’s Tactical Operations Management Section, and the Priority Crimes Specialised Investigations team, auctioneers seized multiple vehicles, including three belonging to Sithole and a vehicle with trailer owned by Mlambo. Investigations continue to trace outstanding vehicles not recovered during the operation.
R60 Billion annual impact
This action comes as South Africa grapples with an illegal mining crisis that has reached staggering proportions. Government estimates suggest illegal mining operations cost the country at least R60 billion in 2024 alone.
The so-called “zama-zama” phenomenon – a term meaning “to try your luck” – has evolved from desperate individuals seeking survival into sophisticated criminal networks. Current estimates suggest over 40,000 people are involved in illegal mining activities across the country, operating in both abandoned and active mines to extract gold, iron ore, coal, and manganese.
ALSO READ: Police arrest nearly 1 000 illegal miners in gold mine sweep
Government intensifies crackdown
The preservation order represents the latest success in the government’s intensified campaign against illegal mining syndicates. Since the launch of Operation Vala Umgodi in December 2023, authorities have arrested over 18,000 illegal miners and deported 121 illegal migrants.
However, the persistence of illegal mining reflects deeper structural challenges. High unemployment rates and poverty continue to drive individuals into dangerous underground operations, while established networks of buyers and sellers channel stolen minerals into illicit markets.
Beyond the economic impact, illegal mining operations have been linked to violence, human trafficking, and severe environmental degradation. The criminal networks that control these operations often exploit vulnerable workers and contribute to social instability in mining communities.
Asset recovery process
NPA Regional Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that the AFU will now pursue a final forfeiture order. Once granted, the preserved properties will be sold and proceeds deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA), returning stolen wealth to state coffers for crime-fighting initiatives.
“This preservation order sends a strong message that individuals will not be permitted to benefit unlawfully from criminal conduct or defraud the government,” Mahanjana stated. “The AFU will continue to pursue all available legal remedies to ensure that assets derived from criminal activities are forfeited to the State.”
