R80 000 worth forfeiture order received

EASTERN CAPE – East London Asset Forfeiture Investigation of the Hawks received the asset forfeiture order on 17 July 2023 for an asset used as instrumentality in the commission of a crime. It is alleged that on 14 October 2022, information was received about a Nissan Tiida transporting stolen cellphone tower batteries in the East London area. Members of Serious Organised Crime Investigation of the Hawks reacted to the information and the vehicle was stopped and searched with the two occupants, Luvo Manzi (20) the driver of the vehicle and Thabo Mukambachaza (26) the owner of the vehicle. Six batteries were found in the rear seat of the vehicle and one at the boot of the vehicle.

Manzi and Mukambachaza were arrested on the spot and were later released on bail. The vehicle was seized as being used in the commission of an offence. The batteries were subsequently identified as property belonging to Vodacom and MTN to the value of R178 000.

The matter was referred to Priority Crime Specialised Investigation of the Hawks in East London for asset forfeiture investigation. A preservation order was secured with the assistance of Asset Forfeiture Unit of National Prosecution Agency of (NPA) hence the granting of the forfeiture order by the east London High Court.

The criminal matter against the duo is remanded to 26 July 2023 in East London Magistrate’s court to be transferred to the Regional Court for trial.

Source: South African Police Service