The bakkie that was forfeited to the state
By Kopano Dibakwane
A suspected stolen Toyota Hilux bakkie, valued at R150 000, was reportedly forfeited to the state and the money deposited to the Criminal Asset Recovery Account(CARA), following an order by the Mbombela High Court on 30 May 2024.
According to Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Hawks, Captain Dineo Sekgotodi, the forfeiture order followed after Blinkpan police officers visited Silver Lining Scrap metal dealer to monitor compliance on 26 July 2022, and noticed the said bakkie which was loaded with aluminium copper wires.
“ The driver, Lethukuthula Dlamini and his assistant, Manqoba Ngobe, were questioned about the vehicle and cables. The suspects could not give a convincing explanation. The two were arrested and charged for Theft and Possession of stolen property, in contravention of Section 36 read with Section 37 of the General Law Amendment Act, Act 62 of 1955,” said Sekgotodi.
According to Sekgotodi, the two accused appeared in court on several occasions until they were sentenced on 31 August 2023.
“ They were both sentenced to R20 000 which is wholly suspended for five years. The case was transferred to the Hawks Asset Investigation Forfeiture Unit for further investigation. Investigation was finalised and the vehicle was forfeited to the state,” she said.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Mpumalanga, Major General Gerber, has cautioned second hand goods dealers to refrain from accepting stolen property at their businesses.
“ As the Hawks we are determined to investigate all cases which are within our mandate without fear or favour. Businesses who pay(for) stolen goods are a huge problem as they create the market for the plundering of critical infrastructure,” said Gerber.
