R446,000 cash and Toyota Fortuner forfeited as driver fails to explain money's origins

The High Court in Limpopo has granted a forfeiture order for a cash amount of R446,000 and a Toyota Fortuner sport utility vehicle, which were seized by police. 

The Hawks’ asset forfeiture investigation unit and the National Prosecuting Authority's asset forfeiture unit (AFU) worked tirelessly to ensure the forfeiture of the money and the vehicle.

“This emanates from the arrest conducted by members of the South African Police Service attached to Musina in 2024. On 4 July 2024, police conducted a stop and search operation along the N1 road in Musina,” said Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, provincial spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo.

During the operation, the police officers stopped the Toyota Fortuner which was driven by a foreign national.

“During a search, police found a plastic bag that contained South African bank notes underneath blankets inside the boot. Police interviewed the driver, and he failed to give a clear explanation for carrying the large amount of money inside the vehicle,” said Mmuroa.

The driver was immediately arrested and the money was seized.

The Hawks’ asset forfeiture investigation unit was consulted for asset investigation. 

“After completion of the investigations, the Hawks referred the matter to the National Prosecuting Authority's asset forfeiture unit for further handling. 

Following court processes, the High Court in Limpopo granted a preservation order for the Toyota Fortuner and the money in February, before the forfeiture order was granted last week.

“The cash was deposited into the criminal asset recovery account on 29 July. The forfeited Toyota Fortuner is about to be sold on auction,” said Mmuroa.

Earlier this year, IOL reported that a 49-year-old man was arrested on charges of money laundering after being found in possession of about R1.2 million in cash.

At the time, provincial police spokesperson in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said the arrested man had allegedly tried to bribe police officers after the money was found.

“This achievement is the result of the dedication by members deployed for Operation Vala Umgodi, and the man was nabbed on 16 March 2025 at Tonga near Komatipoort,” said Ndubane. 

She said police officers received a tip-off about a man who was allegedly in possession of an unlicenced firearm.

“They then responded swiftly and followed the information, and upon arrival at Tonga View, they found the owner of the house and conducted a search and it was during that time when they discovered the large sum of money hidden under the bed as well as inside the wardrobe,” said Ndubane.

“The astute members continued searching in other rooms where they further found a bag full of money. It was during the process when the man tried his luck to bribe the police officials with R50,000, but his attempts failed dismally.”

Ndubane said the money amounted to R1.2 million in banknotes and coins, while there was also Mozambican currency.

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

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