A Welkom-based man, suspected of being a member of an illicit mining cartel, stands to lose his wealth which the state believes is proceeds of crime.
The suspect, Max Nelson Mlambo, has forfeited to the state valuable assets worth millions of rands in addition to money worth R544 000. The forfeited assets include immovable property in three houses and three vehicles.
The vehicles include a Toyota C-HR, Ford Rapture, and Chevrolet sedan.
The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit and the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture unit (AFU) have successfully secured a preservation order for the assets in question.
Capt. Christopher Singo, provincial spokesperson of the Hawks, said the preservation order granted by the Free State High Court culminated in an intensive investigation into a illicit mine cartel that saw Mlambo arrested on 15 November 2021.
He said members of the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime team in Free State nabbed the man in Welkom during the termination project-driven investigation.
“The project began in July 2018 with the aim of dismantling illicit mining in the Welkom and Thabong area,” said Singo.
Mlambo is currently appearing in the Welkom Regional Court with six of seven men who were arrested on separate occasions regarding their alleged involvement in the organised illicit mining.
They are Kenneth Mohapi, Andrew Sithole, Fanie Paulos Msimango, Thabani Msimango, David Simba Maphosa, and George Lekhulo.
Singo said one suspect, Elias Khoza, has died and the case was withdrawn. The remaining suspects are set to reappear in court on 1 and 6 November for trial after the state postponed their cases during their appearances on 18 and 19 September.
