The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks has been granted a confiscation order by the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in what has been described as a significant success in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela said the confiscation order underscores the commitment of the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigations (PCSI) section to recover assets derived from criminal activities and ensure accountability for all involved.
“The case stems from a 2018 incident involving four police officials and a Cameroonian national, Walter Agbor, accused of kidnapping and robbing a complainant of R1.9 million,” she said.
The complaint received by the Serious Corruption Investigation Unit in May 2018 detailed an “appalling” involvement of individuals entrusted with public protection.
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“A coordinated operation by the investigating team led to the arrest of the suspects at their respective residences. An amount of R122,700 was seized from the homes of the police officers, while the remaining stolen money (around R160,000) was recovered from Agbor,” she said.
All suspects were detained at Randburg police station and faced charges of kidnapping, robbery, and corruption.
The case was subsequently handed over to the PCSI for asset forfeiture investigations.
“The tireless efforts of PCSI resulted in the granting of a confiscation order, ensuring that R282,500 was reclaimed as part of the legal process,” she said.
Mavimbela added that this success highlights the unwavering dedication of the Hawks’ PCSI section in ensuring that crime does not pay and that justice prevails.
The Hawks have extended appreciation to all agencies involved in the case for their professionalism and relentless pursuit of justice.
All five accused people are currently on bail and are expected in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on April 3 and 4 for sentencing.
On Wednesday, IOL reported that the Hawks in East London have been granted a forfeiture order for a Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab bakkie and foreign currency equivalent to R400,000.
The Toyota Hilux valued at R900,000 and the foreign currency were instruments in committing crime, according to Eastern Cape spokesperson for the Hawks, Warrant-Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana.
He said the forfeiture order, granted by the High Court in Mthatha, was for R1,4 million encompassing the vehicle and the money.
“On Tuesday, June 25 2024, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) based at the borders between South Africa and Lesotho in the Eastern Cape intercepted a Toyota Hilux double cab. Defence force members approached the aforesaid vehicle and found three foreign nationals inside with a large amount of foreign cash,” said Mhlakuvana.
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