AFU SECURES PRESERVATION ORDER TO FREEZE R178.6 MILLION IN ASSETS LINKED TO ALLEGED STANDERTON MANDRAX SYNDICATE

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has obtained a preservation of property order from the Middelburg High Court.

The order, granted on 28 September 2026 in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), targets assets valued at approximately R178.6 million and allegedly linked to a large-scale illicit methaqualone (Mandrax) manufacturing operation in the Standerton area.

The order authorises the preservation of three immovable properties—a farm and two residential properties—twelve luxury motor vehicles, R3 138 730 in cash, and equipment allegedly used to manufacture illegal drugs.

The application is based on evidence gathered by the Mpumalanga Hawks during an extensive investigation into an alleged organised criminal syndicate involved in the unlawful manufacture, possession and distribution of methaqualone, as well as conspiracy and money laundering offences under POCA.

The investigation focused on three locations: 21 Factory Street, Standerton; Rooikoppen Farm near Standerton; and 18 Mahonie Street, Flora Park, Standerton.

On 4 April 2025, a multidisciplinary law enforcement team executed a search-and-seizure warrant at 21 Factory Street. Officers allegedly found large quantities of chemicals, industrial drums, machinery and equipment used in the production of illicit drugs. Police arrested four Mozambican nationals in connection with the operation.

Information gathered during the investigation led authorities to Rooikoppen Farm, approximately five kilometres away. Police allegedly discovered a fully operational clandestine Mandrax laboratory containing industrial tanks, chemicals, machinery, ovens, sieves, scales and protective equipment. Police arrested two more Mozambican nationals at the farm.

On 08 April 2025, investigators executed a further search-and-seizure warrant at 18 Mahonie Street. Police allegedly recovered tablet-pressing machinery, containers of finished powder product, a Mandrax tablet marked “BOSS” and other equipment associated with drug production. Three South African suspects were subsequently arrested.

Forensic examinations by the SAPS Forensic Science Laboratory confirmed the presence of methaqualone and ortho-toluidine, a chemical precursor used in the synthesis of methaqualone, in samples recovered from 21 Factory Street and Rooikoppen Farm.

At 18 Mahonie Street, forensic analysis established that exhibits with a combined weight of 544.43 kilograms contained methaqualone. The recovered tablet and swabs taken from the tablet-pressing equipment also tested positive for the substance. The finished product seized at the property was estimated to have a street value of approximately R178 646 104.

Authorities also recovered R3 138 730 in cash from the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG at the Flora Park property. The money was later deposited into a SAPS suspense account.

The assets preserved include a BMW X5, a Toyota Hil,ux, and an Isuzu truck recovered at 21 Factory Street. Assets recovered at 18 Mahonie Street include several BMW vehicles, two Volkswagen Golf GTIs, a Range Rover Sport, a Toyota Dyna truck, a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and a Venter trailer.

A financial investigation by the Hawks traced the ownership and beneficial ownership of the properties and vehicles. It found that several assets were allegedly registered in the names of relatives or associates, while other individuals allegedly controlled, financed or benefited from them.

The AFU contends that the property is either the proceeds of unlawful activities or instrumentalities used in the commission of Schedule 1 offences under POCA.

A preservation order is an interim civil remedy intended to safeguard property pending forfeiture proceedings. It does not constitute a finding of criminal guilt against any person. Forfeiture proceedings under Chapter 6 of POCA are independent of the outcome of any related criminal prosecution and are determined on a balance of probabilities.

Two criminal matters arising from the three locations remain before the Standerton Regional Court. One accused person absconded after being released on bail of R100 000, which was forfeited to the State. Another accused person has since passed away.

The NPA commends the close collaboration between the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit and the AFU in disrupting alleged illicit drug manufacturing and money laundering operations.

The AFU remains committed to using its powers to preserve, recover and ultimately forfeit assets linked to criminal conduct, ensuring that organised crime does not profit from unlawful activities.

The NPA and the SAPS Hawks remain committed to combating the manufacture, distribution and possession of illicit drugs, protecting communities from the devastating impact of organised drug syndicates and ensuring that crime does not pay.

Ends

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson

DPP Mpumalanga