Three vehicles worth a combined R635,000 have been placed under preservation orders after they were allegedly used to transport illicit cigarettes in Limpopo.
The orders, granted by the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane this week, form part of ongoing efforts by the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) to target assets linked to criminal activity.
Among the vehicles is a Ford Ranger valued at R258,000. Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) intercepted the vehicle during a stop-and-search operation in Musina on 24 February and allegedly discovered a consignment of illicit cigarettes. The driver, Reason Moyo, was arrested and the vehicle was subsequently referred for an asset forfeiture investigation.
A second preservation order was granted for an Isuzu truck worth R222,600. Police arrested Tatenda Chigodora in Modimolle while he was allegedly transporting illicit cigarettes destined for Gauteng.
Border patrol operations in Musina also led to the seizure of a Toyota Fortuner valued at R154,300. According to the Hawks, Tshilisani Mboweni was found in possession of illicit cigarettes and allegedly attempted to flee before being arrested.
Preservation orders prevent assets from being sold or transferred while authorities pursue possible forfeiture proceedings through the courts.
In a separate matter, authorities secured the forfeiture of R71,686.30 in cash linked to a criminal case. The money was seized from Moshitwana Frans Mohlala, who was arrested for possession of suspected stolen property after allegedly failing to provide a satisfactory explanation for the source of the cash. A forfeiture order was granted by the Limpopo High Court in February, and the funds were paid into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) on 3 June.
Asset forfeiture has become a key tool in the fight against organised crime, allowing the state to target property and proceeds believed to have been used in, or derived from, criminal activities.
Commenting on the developments, Limpopo Hawks provincial head Major General Advocate Gopz Govender praised the cooperation between the Hawks, SAPS, SANDF and the NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit. He said law enforcement agencies would continue pursuing investigations aimed at depriving criminals of assets used to commit crimes and proceeds obtained through unlawful activities.