Asset forfeiture order granted

Mthatha High court granted asset forfeiture orders to East London Asset Forfeiture Investigation collectively to the value of more than R162 000 on 26 September 2023. On 22 January 2020, it is alleged that the complainant was involved in mini taxi accident that overturned. The reports indicated many occupants that were in the vehicle were injured as a result were transported to Mthatha hospital for treatment. The complainant was allegedly examined and she sustained injuries as a result it was discovered that the she had shoulder fracture.

It is alleged that few days later the complainant was visited by a female person known to her aged (82) who offered to assist the victim to lodge claim at Road Accident Fund (RAF) through certain attorneys that were based at Mthatha.

It is further reported that meeting occurred with the said attorneys and claim against RAF was lodged in respect of the complainant. The allegations further revealed that after few months the complainant never received any notification of a pay-out from RAF. Furthermore, allegations indicated that the complainant enquired from the attorneys who informed her that they have already made payment of R255 000 into her Capitec Bank account. However, the claimant allegedly informed the attorneys that she never received such amount and does not have Capitec account. The victim was then advised by the attorneys to report the matter to the police for investigation and she did.

The matter was referred to Priority Crime Serious Investigation (PSCI) of the Hawks which with Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) led to the granting of the forfeiture order on 26 September 2023. The team was successfully granted to freeze the remaining funds that were deposited to both Capitec accounts that was used by the accused person. The criminal case is still under investigation.

Source: South African Police Service