Man forfeits his Toyota Corolla worth R180 000 to State after skipping bail! The Mbombela High Court in Mpumalanga granted a forfeiture order to the Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for a Toyota Corolla valued at R180,000.
The vehicle was linked to criminal activities involving dagga trafficking.
Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), revealed that Ntando Lucky Ntimane, the vehicle owner, was arrested on January 10, 2023, after his car was found loaded with dagga.
“He was charged, detained, and later released on bail,” said Sekgotodi. However, Ntimane absconded from court proceedings, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. The seized vehicle has since been forfeited to the State.
Diesel Theft Plot Leads to Asset Seizure
In a separate case, the court granted a forfeiture order involving six suspects arrested in connection with an attempted diesel theft from the Sasol pipeline at Beth Elim Zebra Lodge in Phola, Mpumalanga, in August 2022. The suspects were charged with attempted theft, damage to property, and tampering with essential infrastructure.
Sekgotodi confirmed that the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit finalized their probe, which led to a preservation order for a VW Jetta valued at R50,400. The vehicle was reportedly instrumental in the attempted crime. The trial for the suspects has been postponed to February 2025.
Hawks’ Dedication to Combating Crime
Major General Gerber, provincial head of the Hawks, praised the collaborative efforts of the investigation team in ensuring successful arrests and the seizure of assets linked to criminal activities.
“As we know, the aim of asset forfeiture is to take the profit out of crime. It ensures that crime does not pay,” said Gerber. “One of the main incentives to commit crime is the benefit derived from it. As the Hawks, we will leave no stone unturned in seizing assets obtained or used through illicit activities.”
Impact of Asset Forfeiture
The forfeiture of vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla and VW Jetta underscores the significance of asset seizure in South Africa’s fight against crime. By depriving criminals of tools and benefits obtained through illegal acts, authorities aim to dismantle the economic incentives driving criminal behavior.
Sekgotodi emphasized the importance of seizing assets linked to criminal activities as a deterrent. “These measures serve as a warning to would-be offenders that law enforcement is vigilant and that criminal activities will have tangible consequences,” she added.
Community and Law Enforcement Collaboration
The successful outcomes in these cases highlight the crucial role of community support and inter-agency cooperation in tackling crime. Law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks continue to prioritize strategic operations targeting assets derived from or used in criminal enterprises.
Looking Ahead
As the trials proceed, the focus remains on securing convictions and reinforcing the message that criminal activities will not yield lasting gains. The Hawks and the Asset Forfeiture Unit reaffirm their commitment to upholding the law and ensuring that crime, in all its forms, does not pay.
In other news – SARS and police raid MaMkhize’s R20 million Durban mansion
South African business mogul Shauwn Mkhize, popularly known as MaMkhize, is making headlines after the South African Revenue Service (SARS) conducted a raid on her properties on Tuesday.
The raids, which took place at her luxurious R20 million La Lucia mansion and reportedly other locations, aim to secure assets amid allegations of unpaid taxes amounting to R37 million. Reports indicate that SARS, assisted by the police, carried out raids not just at MaMkhize’s La Lucia home but also at her properties in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Sandton. Read More
More news – Fight breaks out after used c0nd0m reportedly found under Sello Maake kaNcube & Pearl Mbewe’s bed
A wave of controversy has engulfed South African acting legend Sello Maake kaNcube and his estranged wife, Pearl Mbewe. Allegations of infidelity, violence, and legal battles have surfaced, painting a picture of a relationship gone terribly wrong.
The drama reportedly began on October 7 at the couple’s four-roomed home in Dube, Soweto, when a startling discovery was made. A used condom found beneath their bed allegedly sparked a heated confrontation between the two. Read More
#Man #forfeits #Toyota #Corolla #worth #R180 #State #skipping #bail
