Pretoria – Authorities have secured a preservation order handing over possession to the state of the Rietfontein property, the place the police uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory valued at roughly R100 million and arrested a Mexican.
Commenting on the preservation order, on Sunday, 19 July 2026, Appearing Nationwide Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant Basic Puleng Dimpane, lauded the transfer.
She applauded the multidisciplinary crew behind the preservation of property order secured in courtroom, which resulted in a Rietfontein property and money amounting to R27 800 being forfeited to the State.
On 19 June 2026, the Excessive Courtroom of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, granted a preservation of property order when it comes to Part 50 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998.
The order emanates from a takedown operation carried out on 27 November 2024, throughout which police uncovered a clandestine drug laboratory valued at roughly R100 million on a property in Rietfontein, Gauteng. A Mexican nationwide was arrested on the scene.
Following in depth surveillance of the premises, a multidisciplinary crew comprising members of the Nationwide and Gauteng Provincial Organised Crime Investigation: Narcotics Models, Crime Intelligence, the West Rand Tactical Response Crew (TRT), and the West Rand K9 Unit executed a search and seizure warrant.
Police seized numerous chemical compounds, drug manufacturing gear, and completed merchandise, which had been confirmed to be methamphetamine, generally generally known as crystal meth.
The preservation order authorises the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to promote the Rietfontein property.
The proceeds from the sale, along with the money seized on the scene, can be paid into the Legal Property Restoration Account (CARA).
“This preservation order demonstrates that crime doesn’t pay,” stated Lieutenant Basic Dimpane.
“By the mixed efforts of SAPS investigators and the Nationwide Prosecuting Authority, we’re making certain that these concerned within the manufacturing and distribution of illicit medication are disadvantaged not solely of their freedom, but additionally of the property and earnings derived from prison actions.”
Lieutenant Basic Dimpane stated SAPS stays resolute in dismantling organised crime syndicates and safeguarding communities from the devastating influence of medication.
