Mthatha High Court Grants Asset Forfeiture Order for Vehicle Used in Drug Transport

EASTERN CAPE – The Mthatha High Court recently ruled in favor of East London’s Asset Forfeiture Investigation (AFI) of the Hawks, granting a preservation order for a vehicle valued at R80,000, alleged to have been used in criminal activity.

According to South Africa Police Service, on September 26, 2023, two on-duty police officers in Butterworth received a tip from Butterworth Crime Intelligence about a silver VW Polo with an Eastern Cape registration plate. The vehicle was suspected of transporting drugs, and its driver, identified as Sibongile Sihawu (35), was reported to be in possession of a firearm. Police located the vehicle on Taylor Street in Butterworth and conducted a search. They found a 9mm firearm on Sihawu and 250 Boss Mandrax tablets with a value exceeding R150,000 hidden under the driver’s seat. Sihawu was arrested and later released on bail by the Butterworth Magistrates’ Court. He faces charges for possession of drugs.

The case was subsequently referred to AFI in East London for asset forfeiture investigation. AFI, working in collaboration with the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), successfully secured a preservation order for the VW Polo, as it was found to be instrumental in the commission of the crime. The Provincial Head, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, commended the quick action of the team in securing the order.