By OBAKENG MAJE
Two vehicles that were allegedly used during the commission of crime were seized by the Hawk’s Priority Crime Specialised Investigation team in Kimberley. This comes after the Springbok Serious Organised Crime Investigation team received a tip-off that an alleged diamond dealer will be travelling from a diamond deal using the main road.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Lieutenant Col Tebogo Thebe said, the police conducted a vehicle stop and search point at the identified road. Thebe further said during the search, the police found the amount of cash to the value of R510 000 on the identified accused.
“The police seized the amount and applied for preservation order, while a case dealing in diamonds is under investigation. The Northern Cape High Court in Kimberley duly granted the orders.
“The Hawks secured preservation orders on two vehicles with a combined value of R230 000. The two vehicles, a VW Golf worth an estimated value of R80 000 and a Mercedes Benz C180 worth R150 000 were both seized after being used in the commission of crime in two different incidents,” he added.
Thebe said the VW Golf was seized by police during March 2023 after a tip-off regarding the transportation of drugs on N12 road. The police pounced and two suspects were arrested for dealing in mandrax to the value of R250 000.
“The main case is ongoing and the second vehicle, the Mercedes Benz was confiscated in July 2023 during a multi-disciplinary operation conducted by various policing units, which included members of Kuruman Serious Organised Crime Investigation team,” said Thebe.
“Two suspects were arrested during a buy and bust operation. The duo was charged with dealing in endangered species after they were found with a pangolin valued at R250 000,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in Kimberley, Major General Stephen Mabuela lauded the team for a job well done.
The Guardian 