MTHATHA – The Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) Asset Forfeiture Investigation (AFI), working together with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has secured a forfeiture order authorising the recovery of R800,071.17 for a victim who was brutally kidnapped, robbed, and unlawfully deprived of his Road Accident Fund (RAF) compensation.

According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the forfeiture order was granted by the Mthatha High Court on 16 July.

“The traumatic incident unfolded on the evening of 12 April when the victim, who was asleep alone at his residence, was awakened by aggressive knocking on his door,” he said. “According to reports, the perpetrators falsely identified themselves as police officials before forcibly entering the house.”

Mhlakuvana added that one of the suspects was allegedly dressed in an official police uniform, deliberately exploiting the authority and trust associated with law enforcement, which led the victim to open the door.

“The armed suspects allegedly overpowered the victim, confiscated his cellular phone, covered his head with a blanket, and abducted him in a Volkswagen Polo,” he said. “He was reportedly transported to the Maqanyeni Forest, where he was subjected to prolonged intimidation and violence.”

Mhlakuvana also alleged that the suspects repeatedly assaulted the victim with the butt of a firearm until he disclosed the Personal Identification Number (PIN) linked to his bank account.

“The ordeal escalated when the victim was taken to an unknown flat, where he was allegedly forced to authenticate electronic banking transactions,” he said. “Through coercion and intimidation, the perpetrators unlawfully transferred R900,000 from the victim’s account, followed by a further R84,000.”

Mhlakuvana added that the funds represented compensation that had been lawfully awarded to the victim by the Road Accident Fund following a motor vehicle accident.

“After holding the victim captive overnight, the suspects abandoned him in a valley not far from his home,” he said. “A criminal case was subsequently opened and referred to the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation for a financial recovery investigation.”

Mhlakuvana also alleged that the financial investigation identified Lubabalo Gift Mofokeng (40) as a suspect linked to the commission of the offence.

“Evidence gathered by the investigation team enabled criminal investigators to obtain a warrant for his arrest, leading to his apprehension,” he said. “His bail application was successfully opposed, and he remains in custody pending the continuation of criminal proceedings.”

He added that a meticulous financial investigation enabled investigators to preserve the stolen funds and ultimately secure the forfeiture of proceeds derived from the crime.

The recovered amount of R800,071.17 will now be returned to its rightful owner.

The Provincial Head of the Hawks, Major-General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya, praised the investigating team, stating that “the outcome highlights the indispensable role played by the joint team in depriving criminals of the proceeds of unlawful activities while simultaneously advancing the cause of justice by restoring stolen assets to victims.”

ALSO READ: Minnie Kidnapping: Two suspects arrested with cash, firearms after 73-year-old woman released