Slowly, the Hawks have been closing in on the main men behind the ever-growing illegal and dangerous zama zama industry.

These kingpins lived a flamboyant life, driving big cars, living in mansions, and running lucrative businesses on the Westrand.

On Wednesday, the Hawks in Khutsong on the West Rand confiscated more assets belonging to the arrested men, worth R16 million.

This included bakkies, mansions, and empty stands.

Several vehicles and houses belonging to the seven arrested men were confiscated.

The Gauteng Serious Organised Crime Investigation working with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) conducted a preservation and forfeiture operation in Khutsong and Carletonville to continue the fight against the scourge of illegal mining.

Hawks' spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said they have been following up on information on the kingpins involved in the operations.

Last October the Hawks arrested seven suspects and confiscated several high-performance cars and properties.

Colonel Mogale said the AFU of the NPA and the Hawks, secured preservation orders at the Pretoria High Court in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act.

She said the orders were to preserve various properties belonging to the suspects and the proceeds of unlawful activities of a syndicate dealing in unwrought gold in Khutsong and Carletonville.

"Three preservation orders have been obtained between 31 July and 30 August. All these orders are for 51 vehicles and seven properties," she said.

"All the accused are remanded in custody, however, Dumisani Moyo was granted bail after he appealed at the high court. Some of the properties belong to four of the accused."

NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the suspects are still in police custody.

The suspects include Bethuel Ngobeni, Lerato Bathebeng, Poppy Mathongwane, Bongani Khumalo, Dumisani Moyo, Kesitaal Pty Ltd a company belonging to Moyo, Nhlanhla Leon Magwaca, Neo Susan Duba, Tsepo Dube, Itumeleng Rejoice Magagane, Gloria Kgalalelo Magagane, Mlambo, Nhlanhla Mathebula, Manuel Nhamucho and Thabiso Sechele.

All the suspects will appear in court on 7 September 2023.