Kimberley, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in the Northern Cape Division has secured five forfeiture orders from the High Court of South Africa, Northern Cape Division, with a combined value of R1,1 million plus.
The orders were granted on 06 June 2025 and form part of the ongoing effort to dismantle organised crime networks by targeting the proceeds and instruments of crime. The forfeiture orders relate to separate matters in which assets were seized by law enforcement agencies following investigations that linked them to serious criminal offences. These assets have now been permanently forfeited to the State.
1. Isuzu NKR250 used in the Illegal Trade of Protected Plants: A white Isuzu NKR250 (registration number KDZ011MP), valued at R299,900.00, was forfeited after it was used to transport protected plant species in contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) and the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Act. The vehicle, seized in Upington, was found carrying 506 Monsonia Crassicaulis plants (valued at R989,422.28) and 108 Euphorbia Braunsii plants (valued at R479,520.00). Three suspects were arrested and are currently appearing before the Upington Magistrates’ Court.
2. Hyundai Sonata and Narcotics Seizure: A silver Hyundai Sonata (registration LP93KGGP), valued at R110,000.00, and R7,500.00 in cash were forfeited following a significant drug seizure in Upington. The following narcotics were recovered: 9,315 Mandrax pills (valued at R931,500.00),8 packets of Tik (valued at R603,600.00) and 4 packets of Cocaine (valued at R554,400.00). The drugs were found in the presence of the driver and a passenger named Elizabeth. The forfeiture demonstrates the AFU’s commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks.
3. Toyota Corolla used in Drug Trafficking: A bronze Toyota Corolla 1.3 Prestige (registration FNM505FS), held at the Philipstown SAPS, was forfeited after being used to transport narcotics. The vehicle concealed drugs inside a tyre, including: Mandrax valued at R30,000.00 and Dagga valued at R631,800.00. The Toyota Corolla is valued at R132,000.00.
4. Mercedes-Benz Transporting Dagga and Hydroponics: A white Mercedes-Benz (registration HC75PVGP), seized in Springbok, was forfeited after being used to transport dagga mixed with hydroponic cannabis. The drugs were valued at R80,069.30, and the vehicle’s estimated value is R306,300.00.
5. Isuzu Truck Involved in Illegal Gambling Operation: A white Isuzu FSR49H Diesel 6.0 (registration HT98DLGP), valued at R275,000.00, was seized and forfeited after it was found transporting illegal gambling machines in Kuruman. Six foreign nationals were arrested, including three Chinese nationals and three Tanzanian nationals: Amadi Nzokorori, Ntakamtimana Madjaliwa, and Kayago Ramazan. All six were found to be in the country illegally without valid travel documentation.
These forfeitures mark a decisive and strategic intervention by the NPA and its Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in disrupting the economic infrastructure that sustains criminal enterprises. By targeting the vehicles, cash, and other assets used in or acquired through criminal activity, the AFU is not only weakening the operational capabilities of organised crime networks but also removing the financial incentives that fuel repeat offending.
The message is clear: crime does not pay. Every forfeiture serves as a tangible reminder that the justice system has both the tools and resolve to ensure that criminal conduct leads not only to prosecution but also to the stripping away of ill-got gains. This approach is essential to restoring public trust, deterring would-be offenders, and reinforcing the rule of law.
The AFU remains firmly committed to pursuing the proceeds and instruments of crime across all sectors, from environmental and narcotics offences to illegal gambling and cross-border criminal syndicates. By depriving criminals of their assets, the State reclaims resources for the benefit of society and sends an unambiguous signal that South Africa will not tolerate the profiteering of crime.