South Africa grabs 51 cars, 7 houses from ‘Zimbabwe gold syndicate’
By Staff Reporter
A syndicate comprising Zimbabwean and Mozambican nationals believed to have fraudulently acquired South African identity papers is set to lose 51 vehicles, seven properties and 16 bank accounts after being busted for dealing in unwrought gold in the neighbouring country.
According to South African media, the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in that country has secured three forfeiture orders worth R18m relating to proceeds of alleged unlawful activities of a “syndicate” accused of dealing in unwrought gold in Khutsong, Carletonville.
The orders were obtained in the Pretoria high court last Wednesday.
They relate to various properties belonging to Bethuel Ngobeni, Lerato Bathebeng, Poppy Mathongwane, Bongani Khumalo, Dumisani Moyo, Moyo’s company Kesitaal, Nhlanhla Leon Magwaca, Neo Susan Duba, Tsepo Dube, Itumeleng Rejoice Magagane, Gloria Kgalalelo, Magagane Mlambo, Nhlanhla Mathebula, Manuel Nhamucho and Thabiso Sechele.
The syndicate was mainly composed of foreigners from Zimbabwe and Mozambique.
Some members acquired South African identity documents fraudulently.
