The North West High Court in Mahikeng has frozen two vehicles linked to separate drug trafficking incidents in Potchefstroom.
The court granted preservation orders for a white Mercedes-Benz and a red Volkswagen Polo after finding that both cars had been modified and used to conceal and transport narcotics. The orders were issued under Section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), allowing the vehicles to remain in state custody pending final forfeiture.
The decision follows two operations carried out in 2023 by the Provincial Organised Crime and Drug Task Team. In the first, police stopped a white Mercedes-Benz in the Bult area on January 6, 2023. A Nigerian national driving the vehicle was arrested after officers allegedly discovered drugs hidden inside the car.
In a separate case on May 5, 2023, along Promosa Road, the same task team intercepted a red VW Polo driven by another Nigerian national. Police again found drugs concealed within the vehicle, leading to another arrest and seizure.
Investigations later revealed that both vehicles had been deliberately altered to smuggle narcotics. Acting Provincial Commissioner Major General Ryno Naidoo praised the police and the Asset Forfeiture Unit for their coordinated efforts, saying the ruling “sends a clear message that criminals will not be allowed to profit from their illegal activities.”
The two cars will remain impounded until the final forfeiture hearing, which could result in their permanent seizure by the state. Authorities say the move is part of a broader effort to dismantle organised drug networks in the North West province.