NPA clinches R99 million freezing order

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit in Mpumalanga has obtained a provisional freezing order over assets currently estimated at R99 million, linked to a taxi tycoon and others alleged to be involved in organised criminal activities, including extortion. 

The order was obtained in the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court, Middelburg, in terms of section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA).

“The order emanates from ongoing investigations by [police] into alleged criminal activities involving extortion and related offences linked to [the taxi boss] and others.

“The restrained assets comprise movable and immovable property currently estimated at R99 million. The restraint order was obtained on the basis that the assets constitute realisable property and represent benefits allegedly derived from criminal activities,” the NPA said in a statement.

The assets include: 

• Properties in exclusive golf estates in Centurion.
• Several houses and estate properties in Centurion and Pretoria.
• Luxury motor vehicles subject to the order include Ferraris, a Porsche, a Lexus, Mercedes-Benz vehicles and BMWs.

“The defendants are also required to surrender various bank accounts and investments to the curator appointed by the court. The restraint order advances one of the key objectives of POCA, namely to deprive persons of the proceeds and benefits of crime.

“Organised crime, in its various forms, poses a serious threat to South Africa’s economy and communities. If left unchecked, extortion and related criminal activities undermine legitimate businesses, discourage investment and impede economic growth.

“The NPA remains committed to working with law-enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks and ensure that crime does not pay,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za

Source: Original report at SAnews.gov.za.