The South African government has confiscated R40,000 (about US$2,175) from Gift Mafukidze, a Zimbabwean national arrested for violating South Africa’s immigration laws.
The forfeiture, a significant victory for law enforcement, underscores the ongoing efforts to combat illegal activities and strengthen border control within South Africa.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, secured the forfeiture order against Mafukidze following his arrest and subsequent detention. Lieutenant-Colonel Lloyd Ramovha, Gauteng spokesperson for the Hawks, confirmed the details of the case. He stated that Mafukidze, “an illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe,” was arrested and charged under Section 34 of South Africa’s Immigration Act.
“This decisive action underscores the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to combatting illegal activities and enforcing the law in South Africa,” Ramovha emphasised.
Mafukidze’s arrest and subsequent detention at the Lindela holding facility in July 2023 marked a turning point in the case. He had been transferred from Vredendal in the Western Cape. During his detention, authorities discovered R40,000 in his possession which is equivalent to about US$2,175. This discovery led to the investigation that culminated in the forfeiture order.
Ramovha explained the legal process that led to the seizure of the funds: “The money has now been forfeited to the State under a court order granted by the Pretoria High Court on December 10 2024. The investigator from PCSI (Priority Crime Specialised Investigation) has diligently pursued this case, ensuring that the ill-gotten gains from illegal mining activities are seized and repurposed in the interest of justice.”
The Hawks’ investigation focused on the origin of the R40,000. While Mafukidze, who has since been deported to Zimbabwe, maintained that the money was earned through illegal mining activities, the court ruled in favour of the state’s forfeiture claim. This highlights the complexities of prosecuting individuals involved in illegal activities, especially those who are undocumented immigrants.
The successful forfeiture has been welcomed by Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, Gauteng head of the Hawks. He highlighted the significance of the court’s decision in the broader context of combating crime and protecting South Africa’s economic stability: “This success further highlights the critical role of asset forfeiture in dismantling criminal enterprises and preventing the reinvestment of illicit funds into the economy.”
Kadwa’s statement underscores the Hawks’ commitment to tackling illegal activities and their determination to pursue all available legal avenues to disrupt criminal networks.
