Klerksdorp Record, Stilfontein - The fight against illegal mining in the North West province is making progress with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) securing a preservation order for approximately 39 058 metric tons of gold-bearing material (GBM) valued at an estimated R16 million.
The order was granted by the North West High Court on June 13, in terms of Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA).
The seized material is alleged to be the proceeds of unlawful activities. This action follows extensive investigations into illegal mining operations that reportedly took place between 2016 and 2020.