By REGINALD KANYANE
21 April 2026 – A collaboration between Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) resulted in a significant achievement, securing forfeiture orders worth more than R1.2 million. The orders were granted by the Northern Cape High Court sitting in Kimberley on 20 April 2026.
The Hawks spokesperson in Northern Cape, Warrant Officer Nomthandazo Mnisi said during May 2024, police in Postmasburg sought a suspect who was alleged to be stealing minibus taxis. Mnisi said the suspect was spotted and apprehended whilst dropping off school kids at Postmasburg and the vehicle was seized.
“The motor vehicle, which is worth R153 950 was forfeited to the state after court granted final forfeiture order on 20 April 2026. Another forfeiture order was granted for a white Opel Corsa worth R59 900.
“The vehicle was seized for transporting a stolen goat. The forfeiture order for the vehicle was granted as an instrumentality in the commission of crime,” she said.
Mnisi further said the police stationed at De Aar, seized a Mazda worth R37 900. She added that information was received regarding a vehicle transporting copper cables.
“The police pursued the vehicle and it was stopped. During inspection of the vehicle, police recovered copper cables weighing 579.5 kilograms. A forfeiture order was granted for the vehicle.
“During September 2024, members of Upington Border Police received information regarding a white Hino Truck traveling along the N14 near Upington allegedly distributing commercially branded gas bottles to consumers illegally,” said Mnisi.
She said the police observed the vehicle near Upington and pulled it over. Mnisi said during the search, they found the truck and trailer fully loaded with gas bottles.
“The driver was immediately arrested and vehicle seized. Forfeiture order was granted for the truck, trailer and gas bottles valued at R555 190.
“In another significant achievement, information was received by members of Serious Organised Crime about two properties purchased in Kuruman with illegal proceeds that was generated from the illegal drug dealings. Estimated value for both properties amount to R 1 276 000,” she said.
Mnisi said forfeiture order was granted for both properties since they were utilised as instruments to commit these offences.
Meanwhile, the acting Provincial Head of the Hawks in Northern Cape, Brigadier De-wit Botha, congratulated the team for their exceptional work and dedication. Botha said their efforts were recognised as pivotal in achieving key objectives and making significant progress within the organisation.
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