R4.4m assets linked to illegal mining forfeited in Limpopo
Limpopo High Court orders R4.4m forfeiture linked to illegal chrome mining in Sekhukhune District, involving trucks, trailers and vehicles seized.
LIMPOPO – The Limpopo Priority Crime Specialised Investigation, Asset Forfeiture Investigation unit has secured a forfeiture order valued at approximately R4.4m in a case linked to alleged illegal chrome mining activities in the Sekhukhune District.
The order was granted by the Limpopo Division of the High Court in Polokwane on May 19, following investigations into alleged illegal chrome mining operations conducted between 2024 and 2025 in Burgersfort, Mecklenburg, Driekop and Malipsdrift.
The investigations were carried out under Operation Vala Umgodi, working in collaboration with relevant law enforcement stakeholders.
During the operations, several trucks and trailers allegedly used to transport chrome were seized. More than 20 suspects were arrested in connection with various offences linked to illegal mining activities.
The forfeiture order covers the following assets:
- Seven trucks
- Two trailers
- Two motor vehicles, a Toyota Hilux and a Nissan NP300
The total value of the forfeited assets is estimated at R4 489 490.
The provincial head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Limpopo, Maj Gen Adv Gopz Govender, welcomed the court outcome, saying it represents progress in disrupting illegal mining networks and removing assets believed to have been used in criminal activity.
