Assets valued at R178.6m have been frozen following a joint investigation into a massive illicit drug manufacturing operation in Standerton.
The preservation order was granted on September 28 under Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
The court order follows a joint investigation by the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation unit.
According to Mpumalanga NPA spokesperson Monica Nyuswa, the order authorises the freezing of three properties — a farm and two residential houses — alongside 12 luxury motor vehicles, over R3.1m in cash, and industrial equipment allegedly used to manufacture illegal methaqualone in Standerton.
Nyuswa said the legal application stems from evidence gathered during an extensive investigation by the Mpumalanga Hawks into an organised criminal syndicate accused of drug production, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Underground laboratory discovered
Investigators focused on three main locations in Standerton.
“Officers executed a search-and-seizure warrant, recovering industrial chemical drums, machinery, and equipment used in illicit drug production,” she said.
“Information gathered led police to a farm roughly 5km away, where officers uncovered a fully operational underground Mandrax laboratory fitted with industrial tanks, chemicals, ovens, sieves, and protective gear. Two more suspects were arrested.”
Last year, a second warrant led to the discovery of tablet-pressing machinery, containers of finished powder product, and a Mandrax tablet marked ‘BOSS’. Three suspects were taken into custody.
“Forensic analysis by the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the presence of methaqualone and orthotoluidine in samples.”
Massive stash of drugs and cash
Forensic tests revealed the finished product, weighing 544.43kg, contained methaqualone, with an estimated street value of R178 646 104.
“Officers also seized R3 138 730 in cash in the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG at the property, which was subsequently deposited into a police suspense account,” Nyuswa added.
A Toyota Hilux, an Isuzu truck, several BMWs, two Volkswagen Golf GTIs, a Range Rover Sport, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, a Toyota Dyna truck, and a Venter trailer were all frozen under the order.
Nyuswa said a financial investigation revealed that several assets were registered under the names of relatives or associates, while other individuals controlled, financed, or benefited from them.
Civil measures and court proceedings
“A preservation order is a temporary civil measure designed to safeguard property while forfeiture proceedings take place. It does not mean a finding of criminal guilt has been made against any individual.
Asset forfeiture under Chapter 6 of POCA is handled independently from criminal prosecutions and decided on the balance of probabilities.”
Two criminal cases related to the three locations remain before the Standerton Regional Court.
One suspect absconded after being released on R100 000 bail, which was forfeited to the state, while another accused person has since passed away.
