LIBODE, Eastern Cape – The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI), working with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), have recovered more than R800 000 linked to a kidnapping case in which suspects allegedly posed as police officers.

According to Hawks spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the victim had recently received a Road Accident Fund (RAF) payout.

“It is alleged that on 12 April at approximately 22:00, a victim was abducted at his residence in Libode by four unidentified individuals who falsely presented themselves as members of the South African Police Service,” said Mhlakuvana.

“One of the perpetrators was reportedly in full police attire, forcibly entered the premises. Subsequently, during the forced entry, the victim was allegedly restrained, blindfolded and removed from the residence under coercive conditions.”

During the ordeal, the victim was allegedly assaulted and coerced into revealing his banking details. He was forced to access his mobile banking application and approve transactions using biometric verification.

According to the Hawks, more than R984 000 was transferred during the incident. The victim was held overnight and later abandoned in the early hours of the following day.

A financial probe enabled investigators to trace and secure over R800 000 of the stolen funds. An urgent application to the Mthatha High Court resulted in a preservation order preventing the funds from being accessed or used pending the finalisation of the case, according to the Hawks.

“The coordinated work between investigators and the Asset Forfeiture Unit allowed us to act quickly to secure a significant portion of the stolen funds. Investigations are continuing and more arrests remain a possibility,” said Mhlakuvana.

Hawks investigations led to the arrest of Lubabalo Gift Mofokeng (40), who has been positively linked to the crime. The case remains under investigation and further arrests have not been ruled out.

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