The confiscation order highlights the Hawks’ fight against corruption and organized crime.
Johannesburg — The Hawks confiscation order led to the recovery of R280,500 during raids at the homes of four police officers and a Cameroonian national. The Randburg Magistrate’s Court granted the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) a confiscation order, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Thatohatsi Mavimbela emphasized that the Hawks confiscation order proves the Priority Crime Specialized Investigations (PCSI) unit’s dedication to retrieving criminally acquired assets and ensuring justice prevails.
“The case traces back to a 2018 incident where four police officers and a Cameroonian national, Walter Agbor, kidnapped and robbed a complainant of R1.9 million,” Mavimbela said.
Raids lead to the recovery of R280,500
The Serious Corruption Investigation Unit received a complaint in May 2018, outlining allegations against law enforcement officers who were entrusted with public protection. After a thorough investigation, authorities launched coordinated raids and arrested the suspects at their homes.
“Investigators seized R122,700 from the police officers’ residences and recovered R160,000 from Agbor,” Mavimbela explained.
Authorities held the suspects at the Randburg police station and charged them with kidnapping, robbery, and corruption. Later, the case moved to the PCSI unit, which conducted asset forfeiture investigations.
“Through relentless efforts, PCSI secured a Hawks confiscation order, ensuring R280,500 was recovered as part of the legal process,” Mavimbela stated.
This outcome reinforces the Hawks’ commitment to combating corruption. Moreover, the agency acknowledged the cooperation of other law enforcement bodies for their professionalism and dedication.
The five accused individuals remain out on bail and must appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court for sentencing on April 3 and 4.
Hawks secure R1.4 million forfeiture order in Eastern Cape
Meanwhile, Hawks officers in East London obtained a forfeiture order for a Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab bakkie and foreign currency equivalent to R400,000.
According to Eastern Cape Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the Mthatha High Court granted a forfeiture order worth R1.4 million, covering both the vehicle and the confiscated cash.
“On June 25, 2024, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stopped a Toyota Hilux double cab near the South Africa-Lesotho border. When they searched the vehicle, they found three foreign nationals carrying a large amount of foreign currency,” Mhlakuvana revealed.
Investigators suspect that criminals used the vehicle and cash for illegal activities. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
