The money, held in eight bank accounts in Namibia, is connected to businessman Jacobus Hosea Jordaan, the owner of GNJ Mining, and his wife, Elza Jordaan. Both are primary suspects in the ongoing illegal coal mining case in the town of Carolina, currently under investigation in the SA courts.

Advocate Bongani Jakavula, Regional Head of the AFU explained that SA’s involvement in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has led to increased efforts to combat financial crimes, including money laundering tied to illegal mining.

The investigation uncovered that a significant portion of the funds linked to the illegal coal mining activities had been transferred to Namibian banks. Jordaan, who holds dual citizenship in both SA and Namibia, allegedly laundered the proceeds of illegal coal theft through these accounts. Investigators also identified two additional accounts associated with illegal activities, further strengthening the case against the Jordaans.

The AFU is also exploring the role of Elza Jordaan’s sister, whose account received over $2.3 million. Namibian authorities are following up with investigations and charges may follow.

While the case continues,  Jakavula highlighted the ongoing challenge of illegal mining, particularly in Mpumalanga, where both large-scale operations and small, unregulated "Zama Zama" miners contribute to the problem. He emphasised that the AFU is continuing its efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks, which remain widespread across the region.

--ChannelAfrica--