The North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria has ordered the forfeiture of over R1.8 million to the state following a fraudulent scheme targeting manufacturing company, Colliery Dust Control (Pty) Ltd.

The cash, illegally siphoned from the reputable firm, found its way into an Absa bank account belonging to Rodney Mokhabokhi, who is now at the centre of a criminal investigation.

The fraudulent activities first came to light in June 2024, when the Managing Director of Colliery Dust Control received a misleading letter allegedly from one of their legitimate service providers, Transvaal Electric Motors. The correspondence requested that future payments be directed to Mokhabokhi’s account, prompting the company to unwittingly transfer a substantial amount exceeding R1.8 million.

However, the ruse was soon uncovered when it was confirmed that Transvaal Electric Motors had neither issued the letter nor altered their banking details. Realising the gravity of the situation, Colliery Dust Control promptly reported the incident to the police, who escalated the matter to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

In light of the fraudulent activities, Mokhabokhi's Absa account was promptly blocked, paving the way for the Pretoria Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to step in.

As stated by Lumka Mahanjana, the National Prosecuting Authority's regional spokesperson in Gauteng, the AFU successfully applied for a preservation order in August 2024, which was followed by the forfeiture order granted in March 2025,

Mahanjana indicated that the next procedural step involves ensuring that the forfeited funds are returned to Colliery Dust Control, underlining the collaborative efforts of various crime-fighting agencies within the NPA and the FIC.

As the legal proceedings continue, the matter is expected back in court in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on April 15, 2025.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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