The Northern Cape Division of the High Court has granted a R1.6 million forfeiture order against Mahdi Aki (51), following an investigation by the Hawks Asset Forfeiture Investigation team and the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit.
Illicit Cash Seized in 2024 Raid
The case stems from a January 2024 operation, where Public Order Policing members acted on intelligence and conducted a search and seizure at a premises linked to Aki. During the raid, conducted in his presence, police discovered two bags containing an undisclosed sum of money. Upon counting, the amount totaled R1.6 million, which Aki failed to account for legally.
The matter was then handed over to the Hawks and NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit, culminating in this week’s successful court order.
Upington Drug Smuggler Convicted After Bribery Attempt
In an unrelated case, the Upington Regional Court found Samson Vusi Dlamini (42), a Kingdom of Eswatini national, guilty of drug dealing and corruption on May 13, 2025.
The conviction follows a May 2023 incident at the Nakop border post between South Africa and Namibia, where police searched a truck driver and his passenger (Dlamini). Authorities discovered drugs in Dlamini’s possession, and during questioning, he admitted to smuggling and attempted to bribe a police officer with R2,000.
The Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team in Upington took over the case, leading to Dlamini’s arrest on charges of drug possession and corruption. He remained in custody throughout the trial.
The case has been postponed to May 28, 2025, for sentencing proceedings.
Hawks Commend Collaborative Policing Efforts
Major General Stephen Molefi Mabuela, Provincial Head of the Northern Cape Hawks, praised the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, stating:
“Collaboration in fighting crime always brings results. We must continue to strengthen these relationships.”
The two cases highlight ongoing efforts by South African authorities to combat financial crimes, drug trafficking, and corruption.
