The Makhanda High Court granted an asset forfeiture order to the Gqeberha based Asset Forfeiture Investigation (AFI) of the Hawks worth over R60 000 on 5 December 2023. The order was received by the office of the Hawks on 13 December 2023.
On 5 February 2023, at about 18:00 the members of Grahamstown South African Police Service Highway patrol were in a roadblock near Seven Fountains where they stopped a blue Mercedes Benz. The members reportedly requested to search the vehicle of the driver who happened to be Chuma Gqokoma (33) the owner of the vehicle.
Upon the searching the vehicle, the members discovered two-hundred and eighteen (218) mandrax that were hidden inside the boot on the side covers. Gqokoma was arrested on the spot by the members and was later released on a warning pending drugs analysis results. The vehicle was seized as it was instrumental in transporting drugs. The investigation revealed that the drug test confirmed the seized consignment positive hence Gqokoma was re-arrested.
The matter was referred to Priority Crime Serious Investigation (PSCI) of the Hawks which with Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) led to the granting of the forfeiture order on 5 December 2023. The team was successfully granted to forfeit the Mercedes Benz which was used by the accused person in the commission of crime. The criminal case still ongoing and was remanded to 15 April 2024.
