MPUMALANGA. – The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes a ruling by the Namibian High Court that confirmed the freezing of approximately N$49.4 million (R49.4 million). The money is linked to an investigation into alleged large-scale illegal coal mining, money laundering and related crimes in Mpumalanga.
Monica Nyuswa, NPA spokesperson, says the money is linked to South African businessman Jacobus Hosea Jordaan, his wife Elza Jordaan, Welgevonde Farming (Pty) Ltd and the Namka Trust. The investigation relates to alleged illegal coal mining between November 2021 and September 2023 in the Carolina area. The NPA's asset forfeiture unit and the police's specialised illegal mining unit obtained a provisional freezing order in November 2023 over land, coal stockpiles, heavy mining equipment, vehicles and other assets. Further investigations revealed suspected proceeds were traced to Namibia by the NPA. Approximately N$66.7 million (R66.7 million) was deposited into Namibian bank accounts linked to the respondents, of which approximately N$49.4 million (R49.4 million) remains frozen.
The respondents disputed the freezing order and argued that the money originated from legitimate business transactions. However, the Namibian High Court found reasonable grounds to believe the money was proceeds from illegal activities and that the bank accounts were linked to alleged money laundering. The court confirmed the freezing order on 31 August 2026 and ordered the respondents to pay the applicant's legal costs.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
