R49.3 million in Mpumalanga’s alleged illegal mining loot frozen in Namibia
The investigation centres on alleged illegal mining activities carried out between November 2021 and September 2023.
On 31 August 2026, the Namibian High Court ordered the freezing of N$49.4 million (R49.3 million) allegedly tied to an illegal mining operation in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Prosecutors assert the funds belong to businessman Jacobus Hosea Jordaan, his wife Elza Jordaan, Welgevonde Farming (Pty) Ltd and the Namka Trust. The case centres on alleged mining activities at Farm Witkranz 53 IT in the Carolina area, which took place between November 2021 and September 2023.
According to Monica Nyuswa, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Mpumalanga, the money stems from suspected illegal mining and money laundering activities. The preservation order, granted on 30 December 2024, prohibits the Jordaans and related parties from disposing of or converting the assets. Financial analysis revealed that roughly N$66.7 million was deposited in Namibian bank accounts connected to the Jordaan family, of which N$49.4 million remains frozen.
South African and Namibian financial intelligence agencies collaborated to secure the freeze in December 2024, followed by additional preservation orders in January 2025. The court rejected the Jordaaans' challenge, confirming the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities. The NPA emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation and asset forfeiture in combating suspected illicit funds.
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