The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has secured a preservation order to freeze assets worth approximately R178.6 million allegedly linked to a large-scale Mandrax manufacturing operation in Standerton, Mpumalanga.
NPA Mpumalanga spokesperson Monica Nyuswa said the AFU, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Hawks, obtained the order from the Middelburg High Court on 28 September 2026.
The order, granted under Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), targets three immovable properties, 12 luxury vehicles, R3.1 million in cash and equipment allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs.
The investigation centred on three properties in Standerton: 21 Factory Street, Rooikoppen Farm and 18 Mahonie Street in Flora Park.
On 4 April 2025, a multidisciplinary law enforcement team searched 21 Factory Street, where officers allegedly found large quantities of chemicals, industrial drums, machinery and equipment used in drug production.
Four Mozambican nationals were arrested during the operation.
Information obtained during the investigation subsequently led police to Rooikoppen Farm, about five kilometres from Standerton.
Police allegedly discovered a fully operational clandestine Mandrax laboratory at the farm, containing industrial tanks, chemicals, machinery, ovens, sieves, scales and protective equipment. Two more Mozambican nationals were arrested.
A further search was conducted at 18 Mahonie Street on 8 April 2025, where investigators allegedly recovered tablet-pressing machinery, containers containing finished powder, a Mandrax tablet marked “BOSS” and other equipment linked to drug manufacturing.
Three South African suspects were subsequently arrested.
Forensic analysis 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 the Mahonie Street property, forensic analysis found that exhibits weighing a combined 544.43kg contained methaqualone.
The recovered finished product was estimated to have a street value of approximately R178.6 million.
Investigators also recovered R3,138,730 in cash from the boot of a Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG at the property. The money was subsequently deposited into a SAPS suspense account.
Among the vehicles preserved are a BMW X5, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu truck recovered at 21 Factory Street, as well as several BMWs, two Volkswagen Golf GTIs, a Range Rover Sport, Toyota Dyna truck, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and a Venter trailer recovered at 18 Mahonie Street.
A financial investigation by the Hawks allegedly found that some of the properties and vehicles were registered in the names of relatives or associates, while other individuals allegedly controlled, financed or benefited from the assets.
The AFU contends that the property represents either the proceeds of unlawful activities or instruments used in the commission of offences listed under Schedule 1 of POCA.
The preservation order is an interim civil remedy and does not constitute a finding of criminal guilt against any person.
Two criminal matters arising from the three properties remain before the Standerton Regional Court.
The NPA said one accused person absconded after being released on R100,000 bail, which was forfeited to the State, while another accused has since died.
The AFU said it would continue using its powers to preserve, recover and ultimately forfeit assets allegedly linked to criminal conduct.
