The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit, working with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has secured a forfeiture order for a white Chevrolet utility bakkie valued at R70 000.
The order was granted by the Mthatha High Court on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, after the court found that the vehicle had been used as an instrument in the commission of a crime.
The case stems from an incident on 30 August 2025 at approximately 10:50pm, when Ngqeleni crime prevention members were conducting a routine patrol on the T30 route.
During the patrol, officers intercepted the vehicle, which was found transporting infrastructure components—gates suspected to have been unlawfully removed from the Sebeni Water Projects site.
The driver admitted to the unlawful appropriation of the property. The suspect, later identified as Langa Maxwell Hlazo (49), was arrested and the vehicle seized.
Hlazo was charged and appeared several times in the Ngqeleni Magistrate’s Court. Although the criminal charges were later withdrawn, the matter was referred to the Hawks for an asset forfeiture investigation.
The court has now ordered the forfeiture of the bakkie, with ownership vesting in the State. The vehicle will be sold, and the proceeds deposited into the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA).
The successful forfeiture highlights the effectiveness of asset forfeiture as a tool to disrupt criminal activity, deter offenders, and remove the instruments of crime. – SAnews.gov.za
