Overview

• A Special Investigating Unit probe found Department of Rural Development and Land Reform properties were unlawfully transferred, prompting a R144 million forfeiture and the return of Farm 405 Randjesfontein, Erf 170 Hurlingham and Erf Hyde Park to the state.
• The R144 million order also includes funds in bank accounts of implicated individuals and entities, which will be paid into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account.
• In a separate ruling, R4.4 million linked to 24 accounts at two banks was forfeited after investigators found a scheme that paid people R200 for personal details to open accounts used in fraud.
• The so‑called multiplication investments were pushed on Facebook and WhatsApp under names such as Trouva, Centamin, Hot Farm and Benchmark Woodworking, using Ponzi‑ and pyramid‑style tactics.
• Banks alerted the National Consumer Commission on February 4, 2025, leading to a Financial Intelligence Centre preservation order within a week, and the NPA is urging affected investors to open criminal cases.