Namibian Court Freezes N$49.4 Million Linked to Illegal Coal Mining in South Africa

A Namibian court has frozen N$49.4 million in eight bank accounts belonging to an Aranos farm owner, his wife, and their entities, linked to an alleged illegal coal mining operation in South Africa. The funds are preserved under a Prevention of Organised Crime Act order. The Windhoek High Court confirmed the interim order on Monday, covering accounts of Jacobus and Elza Jordaan, Welgevonde Farming, and Namka Trust. Authorities allege about 270,000 tonnes of coal, valued at N$264 million, were illegally mined at a South African farm from November 2021 to September 2023. The Jordaans face fraud, theft, and money laundering charges in South Africa, where they are out on bail. They deny involvement, claiming the funds came from a shares sale, but the judge found their explanation unconvincing.