The Asset Forfeiture Unit was granted an order in Bloemfontein on Friday to attach R56,300 belonging to four alleged illegal miners, the NPA said.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Phaladi Shuping said the money was seized from Mzikayise Qqebe, Sephelo Mjame, Luyanda Madikane, and Kedamile Lubabalo.
They were arrested in connection with illegal mining in Odendaalsrus in the Free State.
“The High Court in Bloemfontein granted the preservation order on the basis that the property is the proceeds of and/or an instrumentality of the offences of theft, money laundering, and corruption,” he said.
The four men were arrested in an underground shaft by security personnel at a mine in Odendaalsrus in January.
They were found with the cash, dagga, and “possible gold bearing material”, said Shuping.
“They gave no explanation for being in possession of such a large sum of cash on mine property, well knowing that they were not allowed to be on mine property, or to be underground,” he said.
Shuping said the men faced charges of theft, money laundering, corruption, and trespassing.
They are scheduled to appear in the Odendaalsrus Regional Court on September 19 for plea and trial. - Sapa