Picture: A diesel truck/Generic
By REGINALD KANYANE
The North West High Court in Mahikeng has granted the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) an order declaring forfeit to the state, a truck-horse and a tanker that were used to transport illicit diesel. This order relates to an incident where Chrispen Pirukai (40), appeared at the Mahikeng Magistrate’s Court on 17 July 2023.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in North West, Henry Mamothame said, Pirukai was arrested at the Ramatlabama Port of Entry by the border police officials, after he had allegedly failed to declare that he was transporting diesel from Gaborone in Botswana to Pretoria.
“The Hawks reported that, on 15 July 2023, the accused was driving in a truck when he was stopped by border police officials at the port of entry, where he allegedly declared that the truck was empty. However, upon inspection of the truck, the trailers were allegedly found to contain approximately 45,000 litres of diesel.
“As a result of the alleged misrepresentation by the accused, the South African Revenue Services (SARS) would have incurred a loss of over R270 000. The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation and SARS Customs & Illicit Economic Activities Division attended the scene, where the accused was subsequently arrested and charged with contravention of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act No. 91 of 1964),” said Mamothame.
Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded AFU for successfully receiving an order for the forfeiture of assets, which are proceeds of crime, impacting negatively on the economy of the country.
The Guardian 