KEY POINTS
- Western Cape court orders forfeiture of a drug suspect’s vehicle.
- Hawks secure a separate forfeiture order in a fraud investigation.
- Authorities intensify efforts to seize assets linked to crime.
The Western Cape High Court has ruled that a suspected drug trafficker’s vehicle be forfeited to the state following an investigation by the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Unit.
The ruling stems from an incident on April 19, 2023, when law enforcement intercepted a Kia Sorento heading toward Cape Town.
Officers from the South African Narcotics Enforcement Bureau (SANEB) acted on intelligence and stopped the vehicle in Gordons Bay.
Upon searching the car, authorities discovered 52,455 Mandrax tablets hidden in a concealed compartment.
According to IOL, the seized drugs, valued at over R2 million ($109,162), led to the immediate arrest of the driver, identified as Steven Mkhabela, 34.
Following his arrest, officials confiscated the Kia Sorento, valued at R125,600 ($6,855), and secured a forfeiture order to permanently seize the vehicle.
Mkhabela’s trial is set to begin on March 25, 2025, at the Khayelitsha Priority Court.
Separate forfeiture order issued in fraud case
In an unrelated case, the Hawks secured another forfeiture order linked to a fraud investigation.
The order followed the arrest of two suspects on May 21, 2019, who were carrying fraudulent devices and cash while traveling from Johannesburg to Cape Town.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani stated that authorities identified, questioned, and searched the suspects upon arrival.
Authorities seized devices used for fraudulent activities along with cash totaling R39,483.60 ($2,155).
After further investigation, the Western Cape High Court granted a forfeiture order, allowing the state to seize the confiscated funds and fraudulent devices.
Hawks continue crackdown on crime in Western Cape
The Western Cape’s law enforcement agents have elevated their efforts to cut down on criminal activity but especially within drug trafficking and financial fraud operations.
The Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation Team works together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to track illegal assets.
The authorities have stated asset forfeiture acts as a fundamental tool to dismantle criminal organizations while preventing illegal earnings from benefiting criminals.
Moreover, the successful forfeiture of both the Kia Sorento and seized funds signals the government’s commitment to tackling crime in South Africa.
As trials progress, law enforcement officials have encouraged the public to report suspicious activities, ensuring that criminal enterprises face consequences not only through prosecution but also through the loss of their illegally acquired assets.
