Asset Forfeiture Unit gets greenlight to freeze R178.6m in assets linked to alleged Standerton Mandrax syndicate
Forensic examinations by the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the presence of methaqualone and ortho-toluidine, a chemical precursor used in the synthesis of methaqualone, in samples recovered from 21 Factory Street and Rooikoppen Farm.
In the latest legal action in a multi-million-rand drug manufacturing case being investigated in Standerton, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga, working with the police’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has obtained a preservation of property order from the Middelburg High Court.
The order, granted on September 28, targets assets valued at about R178.6m linked to a large-scale illicit methaqualone (Mandrax) manufacturing operation in the Standerton area.
The order authorises the preservation of three immovable properties – a farm and two residential properties – 12 luxury motor vehicles, R3,m and equipment allegedly used to manufacture illegal drugs.
The application is based on evidence gathered by the Mpumalanga Hawks during an extensive investigation into an alleged organised criminal syndicate involved in the unlawful manufacture, possession and distribution of methaqualone, as well as conspiracy and money-laundering offences under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA).
The investigation focused on three locations: 21 Factory Street in the light industrial area of Standerton; Rooikoppen Farm near Standerton; and 18 Mahonie Street in Flora Park, Standerton.
A multidisciplinary law enforcement team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at 21 Factory Street on April 4 last year. Officers found large quantities of chemicals, industrial drums, machinery and equipment used in the production of illicit drugs. Police arrested four Mozambican nationals in connection with the operation.
Information gathered during the investigation then led authorities to Rooikoppen Farm, about 5km away, where police discovered a fully operational clandestine Mandrax laboratory containing industrial tanks, chemicals, machinery, ovens, sieves, scales and protective equipment. Police arrested two more Mozambican nationals at the farm.
Investigators executed a further search-and-seizure warrant at 18 Mahonie Street on April 8, 2025. Police allegedly recovered tablet-pressing machinery, containers of finished powder product, a Mandrax tablet marked “BOSS” and other equipment associated with drug production. Three South Africans were subsequently arrested.
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Forensic examinations by the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the presence of methaqualone and ortho-toluidine, a chemical precursor used in the synthesis of methaqualone, in samples recovered from 21 Factory Street and Rooikoppen Farm.
At 18 Mahonie Street, forensic analysis established that exhibits with a combined weight of 544.43kg contained methaqualone.
The recovered tablet and swabs taken from the tablet-pressing equipment also tested positive for the substance. The finished product seized at the property was estimated to have a street value of more than R178.6m.
Authorities also recovered more than R3.1m from the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG at the Flora Park property. The money was later deposited into a SAPS suspense account.
The assets preserved include a BMW X5, a Toyota Hilux and an Isuzu truck recovered at 21 Factory Street. Assets recovered at 18 Mahonie Street include several BMW vehicles, two Volkswagen Golf GTIs, a Range Rover Sport, a Toyota Dyna truck, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and a Venter trailer.
NPA regional spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Monica Nyuswa, said a financial investigation by the Hawks traced the ownership and beneficial ownership of the properties and vehicles.
It found that several assets were allegedly registered in the names of relatives or associates, while other individuals allegedly controlled, financed or benefited from them.
“The AFU contends that the property is either the proceeds of unlawful activities or instrumentalities used in the commission of Schedule 1 offences under POCA.
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“A preservation order is an interim civil remedy intended to safeguard property pending forfeiture proceedings.
“It does not constitute a finding of criminal guilt against any person. Forfeiture proceedings under Chapter 6 of POCA are independent of the outcome of any related criminal prosecution and are determined on a balance of probabilities,” explained Nyuswa.
She said two criminal matters arising from the three locations remain before the Standerton Regional Court.
The first matter involves the foreigners who were arrested at the factory and Rooikoppen Farm. The second matter involves those linked to the house in Mahonie Street, who are considered the key suspects in the investigation.
A warrant of arrest has been formally issued for Cardoso Missuque (36), one of the Mozambican nationals arrested in connection with the drug lab.
He failed to appear before the Standerton Regional Court on July 17 after being released on bail of R100 000. This money was forfeited to the State. Another accused related to the second matter has since passed away.
Nyuswa said the NPA commends the close collaboration between the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the AFU in disrupting alleged illicit drug manufacturing and money-laundering operations.
“The AFU remains committed to using its powers to preserve, recover and ultimately forfeit assets linked to criminal conduct, ensuring that organised crime does not profit from unlawful activities.
“The NPA and the SAPS Hawks remain committed to combating the manufacture, distribution and possession of illicit drugs, protecting communities from the devastating impact of organised drug syndicates and ensuring that crime does not pay,” concluded Nyuswa.
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