| 2025/04/03 |
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Media Statement WESTERN CAPE – Mohammed Ameen (45) was yesterday, 02 April 2025 found guilty after entering into a plea agreement with the state for money laundering and contravention of Exchange Control Regulations. She was sentenced as follows: Count 1: Contravention of Exchange Control Regulations- Five (5) years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years. Count 2: Money Laundering- Eight (8) years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years. Before entertaining the plea agreement, the court granted a confiscation order of R200 000 and she was ordered to deposit the money into the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA). The sentence emanates from an incident that occurred on 11 October 2017, where Ameen was intercepted by South African Customs Services while seated at a business lounge area, International departures at Cape Town International Airport. Her luggage was searched by customs officials where she was found to be in possession of currency, American dollars to the amount of $544 200.00 as well as South African currency to the amount of R2 955 000.00. The accused failed to declare the above-mentioned currencies. She was travelling to Dubai and she was immediately arrested. Ameen, first appearance was on 12 October 2017 in the Bellville Magistrates Court and the matter was then postponed to 19 October 2017 for formal bail application and she was then released on a R30 000 bail. On the 15 of March 2018 the Western Cape Division of the High Court of South Africa, Cape Town granted a preservation order for an amount of $544 200.00 as well as R2 955 000.00. The accused failed to file an appeal on the order and the monies were then forfeited to the state. The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Western Cape, Major General Mathipa Makgato welcomes the sentence and also praised the collaboration between the Hawks and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for their efforts in combating crime. He further, sends a strong message that crime does not pay. Ends
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