By BAKANG MOKOTO
17 November 2025- The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division has obtained a preservation of property order from the North West High Court in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), 121 of 1998. The order, granted on 14 November 2025, relates to seven trucks that were found to be instrumentalities of the offence of illegal chrome mining.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in the North West, Sivenathi Gunya said illegal chrome mining in South Africa has far-reaching environmental, social and economic consequences. Gunya said environmentally, it causes severe land degradation, contaminates water and soil and contributes to the formation of sinkholes that endanger ecosystems and nearby communities.
“Socially, these illicit operations are often associated with violent crime including murder, rape, human trafficking and contribute to widespread human rights violations and deteriorating public health conditions.
“Economically, illegal mining undermines the formal mining sector by reducing government tax revenue, increasing operational costs for legitimate businesses, and damaging investor confidence,” he said.
Gunya further said the court heard that on 13 July 2025, members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Nietverdiend responded to a call from a complainant in Marulakop village regarding seven trucks found on grazing land and suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities. He added that upon arrival, the police found all seven trucks fully loaded with chrome.
“Seven suspects were arrested on the scene, while others fled. The suspects failed to produce any documentation authorising them to load or conduct mining activities on the premises. They were subsequently charged with illicit dealing in and/or possession of precious metals in contravention of Section 4(1), read with Sections 4(3), 5(1), and 20 of the Precious Metals Act; contravention of Section 24F (1) of the National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998 and contravention of Section 5(4)(d) of the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 28 of 2002.
“The criminal case is ongoing, and the accused are expected to appear in court again on 28 November 2025,” said Gunya.
Meanwhile, Dr Rachel Makhari, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, commended the work of the AFU, noting the strengthened collaboration between the NPA and SAPS in combating organised crime and illegal mining in the province. Makhari emphasised the NPA’s continued commitment to prosecuting those who exploit natural resources unlawfully and undermine the rule of law.
The Guardian 