NPA Mpumalanga Regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the money is allegedly linked to intentions to commit or proceeds from “massive alleged illegal coal mining” in the province’s Carolina area.

“On 2 December 2024 the SA-FIC, in collaboration with their Nam-FIC counterparts, obtained a Namibian FIC temporary freeze upon the funds of Jacobus Hosea Jordaan and his wife Elza Jordaan… to the value of R50 205 872.

“On 30 December 2024 the Nam PG’s office managed to obtain a Preservation of Property order in the Namibian High Court, Windhoek in respect of the abovementioned R50 205 872 on the basis that the money… represents the proceeds of, and/or was used as instrumentalities, to commit the abovementioned massive alleged illegal coal mining and other offences, including money laundering in the Carolina area,” she said.

Nyuswa added that last week, a second preservation of property order was granted to the value of R2 285 500 in the Namibian High Court “in respect of two further Namibian bank accounts in the name of Reinet Binneman,” the sister of Elza Jordaan.

“Jacobus Jordaan and his wife Elza Jordaan are among the main accused in the Carolina illegal coal mining case that was transferred to the Mbombela High Court on 6 December 2024 to November 2025 for trial.

“The illegal financial benefit obtained by the accused from the illegal coal mining and other offences in Mpumalanga allegedly amounts to at least R2 billion,” Nyuswa explained.

She described cooperation between the two countries’ law enforcement officials as “remarkable”.

“There was remarkable cooperation and hard work during the December festive season between the abovementioned Namibian and the South African law enforcement agencies to obtain the abovementioned Namibian High Court seizure orders.

“Both Namibia and South Africa were grey listed a few years ago by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) for, amongst others, failing to sufficiently combat money laundering. The abovementioned two Namibian seizure orders will assist enormously in getting both countries off the FATF grey list,” she said.

The dedication, enthusiasm and commitment of the abovementioned law enforcement agencies also make a huge difference in combating transnational crime in the two countries.

Digging in

Nyuswa said that as early as November 2023, police and law enforcement had already pounced on alleged illegal mining activities in the Carolina – leading to arrests and seizures of property.

“On 15 November 2023 the NPA AFU in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with a special illegal mining unit in the [SAPS], obtained provisional preservation of property order in the Mbombela High Court upon, amongst others, a farm in the Carolina district, stockpiles/heaps of coal in two separate areas, heavy duty mining machinery, equipment and motor vehicles as well as the washing plant machinery and all movable buildings, machines, equipment and motor vehicles used at Droog Valley farm Barrel Coal Processing and Washing Plant near Carolina, Mpumalanga area.

“The assets were seized on the basis that it was, on reasonable grounds, believed to be, used as instrumentalities to commit various illegal large-scale coal mining and environmental offences at the farm in the Carolina area, and/or that the assets are reasonable grounds to believe the proceeds of unlawful activities, and/or represents the proceeds of unlawful activities, namely the large-scale illegal coal mining and environmental offences.

“It was the largest seizure of its kind ever in South Africa,” Nyuswa said.

A further provisional restraint of property order was granted to law enforcement against assets to the value of some R1 billion.

“Jacobus and his wife, Elza Jordaan, and 15 other persons and companies are currently standing trial in the Mbombela High Court for multiple offences, Including illegal coal mining, environmental offences, theft, corruption, money laundering etc.

“Their criminal trial was postponed to the Middelburg High Court for trial from 3 to 28 November 2025,” she added.

The spokesperson said the prosecutorial body remains committed to supporting the work of law enforcement agencies in rooting out criminality.

“Illegal mining activities, coupled with money laundering, in South Africa, are a huge concern for the government, as also pronounced by the State President who last year deployed the South African Defence Force to assist the SAPS in eradicating the illegal mining activities and syndicates.

“Illegal mining amounts to the plundering of the most valuable natural resources of South Africa to the detriment of the fiscus and the broader public. It also destroys the beautiful South African natural environment and bona fide farming activities.

“The NPA is committed to assisting the SAPS, the South African government, and governments of foreign jurisdictions to eradicate this scourge of illegal mining and money laundering activities,” Nyuswa concluded

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The South African Police Service (SAPS) stated the operation’s success was due to proactive efforts of crime intelligence, which provided crucial information about the suspects’ intentions.

“This information enabled a joint team to operationalise and strategically position themselves along the R545 Road, heading to Ogies. Upon spotting the suspects attempting to carry out the robbery in a white Mercedes Benz sedan, of which they failed, the members were able to intervene and prevent the attack on the security cash truck,” noted Major General Mkhwanazi.

The suspects then fled the scene in several vehicles including a blue BMW 330i sedan and a charcoal Kia SUV. “A high-speed chase ensued, with law enforcement agencies successfully intercepting the suspects in the Vosman policing area,” notes a statement from SAPS.

During the arrest, suspects were in possession of three AKM style rifles with six magazines, along with 134 live rounds of ammunition, and a 9mm pistol with two magazines. The suspects were also in possession of balaclavas and gloves.

The vehicles used in the attempted robbery were seized for further investigation, with preliminary findings revealing the Mercedes Benz had been reported as stolen in Kabokweni last month.

Several other agencies were involved in the operation, including the tracking teams from Limpopo and Mpumalanga, crime prevention members from Vosman and Fidelity Special Service.

The suspects will face multiple charges, including possession of prohibited firearms and stolen vehicles, and conspiracy to commit a robbery. They are due to appear at Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court, with the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) taking over the investigation.

“The confiscated firearms will be subjected to ballistic testing to determine whether these weapons were not previously used in the commission of crime elsewhere hence police cannot rule out the possibility of adding more charges against the suspects as the investigation continues,” police noted.

Major General Mkhwanazi said this operation once again highlights the dedication and expertise of local law enforcement officers in combating violent crimes and ensuring the safety of communities.

“Firstly, we would like to appreciate the collaboration displayed by the team from Limpopo as well as our team from Mpumalanga and not forgetting the Fidelity Special Service which culminated in this magnificent achievement. We encourage the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with police to fight against criminal activities,” the Major General added.

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The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison (DCSSL) on 6 July announced it will recruit 1 200 Crime Prevention Wardens (CPWs) to augment already existing initiatives in the ongoing war against crime. “The recruitment of the wardens will not only assist in responding to crime, but it will also help in reducing unemployment,” it said in a statement.

Macie said the initiative is vital in the light of high levels of gender based violence (GBV) and crime in communities. Macie addeed that there are many initiatives and programmes that the Department has to augment the work of the police.

“We will confront the scourge of crime from all angles. The police alone will not win this war. Hence, the wardens will work with all relevant role players to improve the safety of our communities. We want those individuals who are currently involved in crime prevention initiatives in their communities but are unemployed and meet the requirements to apply. Applicants must apply in for posts in areas where they reside,” said the MEC.

The wardens will be based in all ninety police stations in the province. The requirements for applicants include that they be between 18 and 50 years old; have experience in working in crime prevention environments; have no criminal record; and have a willingness to go for both physical and theoretical training (hence minimum requirement is Grade 10 to 12). A valid driving license will be an added advantage.

The duties will amongst other things include patrolling crime hotspots, do search and seizure operations, assist with stop and search operations and assist with identifying any other criminal or suspicious activities in communities. Furthermore, they will work under the supervision of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Application forms can be found here. The closing date for applications is 19 July.

In May 2023, Gauteng deployed an initial 3 200 out of 6 000 wardens, commonly referred to as AmaPanyaza after premier Panyaza Lesufi, across the province following three months’ training at the SA Army Engineer Formation base at Dunnottar on Gauteng’s Far East Rand and 3 SA Infantry (SAI) Battalion, the specialist Infantry Formation training unit in Kimberley. Further training continues for additional wardens.

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Sarel Petrus Du Plessis was convicted and sentenced to life and an additional 38 years imprisonment for murder, three counts of attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition by the Mpumalanga High Court on Tuesday.

On 5 December 2018, Bhekimuzi Anele Ziko, his elder brother and their two friends were walking around Daisa farm in Komatipoort looking for temporary jobs as it was litchi harvest time.

“They continued going in and around with the hope of securing jobs. The accused concluded that they were trespassing and intending to steal litchis from the farm. He then drove towards their direction, stopped the vehicle, and took out his firearm. He started shooting at the victims, one died and three ran away,” said National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.

Du Plessis denied the allegations while the court heard evidence from the surviving victims on how the events unfolded on the day.

“Victim impact statements compiled by the deceased’s mother facilitated by Court Preparation Officer Nomfundo Mokoena wherein she detailed the pain and trauma caused by the accused in her life were presented. She said the incident left her emotionally and physically traumatised. She was even diagnosed with a chronic illness,” said Nyuswa.

In aggravation of the sentence, the state argued that the accused abused his power as a security manager and killed a defenceless young job seeker. 

“Before handing down the sentence, the Presiding Officer Judge Nelisa  Phiwokazi Mali, highlighted that the sentence must serve as a deterrent to society. She found no reasons justifying deviation from the prescribed ordained sentence.”

“The court ordered the sentence of life to run concurrently with the sentence imposed on other counts. Effectively the accused will serve life imprisonment. He was also declared unfit to possess a firearm.”

“The National Prosecuting Authority is satisfied with the sentence and hopes that the deceased’s family will find solace and closure by removing the accused from society,” said Nyuswa.

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