Authorities forfeited a Hyundai vehicle, valued at R20,000, after they found it transporting a pangolin in Northern Cape. A similar case occurred in Eastern Cape involving a Toyota Hilux.
Key Points:
- The Kuruman Regional Court ordered the forfeiture of a Hyundai vehicle involved in transporting a pangolin.
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The Hawks made a similar forfeiture in the Eastern Cape, involving a Toyota Hilux and foreign currency.
- The South African National Defence Force intercepted a Toyota Hilux carrying illegal foreign currency at the border.
The Kuruman Regional Court in Northern Cape has granted a forfeiture order for a Hyundai vehicle found transporting a pangolin. The court set the vehicle’s value at R20,000 and issued the order against 33-year-old Iton Gumbo.
Hawks Take Action After Tip-off
In April 2024, the Hawks’ provincial organized crime unit received information about a potential illegal pangolin sale near Kuruman. Consequently, a blue Hyundai matching the description of the vehicle was located on the N14 road. As a result, police arrested three men for possessing the endangered animal and seized the vehicle.
Asset Forfeiture Unit Secures Court Order
After the arrests, the Hawks’ asset forfeiture investigation unit received the case. They then successfully applied for the forfeiture order. Under their investigation, they forfeited the Hyundai, valued at R20,000.
Related Forfeiture Case In Eastern Cape
In a similar case in Eastern Cape, the Hawks secured a forfeiture order for a Toyota Hilux GD-6 double cab and foreign currency totaling R400,000. Authorities subsequently linked the Toyota Hilux, valued at R900,000, and the foreign currency to criminal activity.
SANDF Intercepts Suspicious Vehicle at Border
On June 25, 2024, members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) stopped a Toyota Hilux at the South Africa-Lesotho border. The soldiers found three foreign nationals inside, in possession of a large sum of foreign currency. Consequently, they arrested the suspects for violating the Immigration Act and Currency Exchange Act.
