Millions seized from criminals

2009-03-16 09:44

Johannesburg - High courts have seized assets and cash worth about R3.2m in at least 55 cases over the past few months, The Star reported on Monday.

This was done in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, which allows the state to seize assets used to commit a crime or the proceeds of crime.

Cars, drugs, a set of scales used by an alleged Johannesburg drug dealer, Rolex watches and a rubber duck and diving gear used by alleged abalone poachers in Port Elizabeth were among items seized.

Assets in all 55 cases were frozen with preservation orders or declared forfeit to the state. This was usually while criminal charges against the owners were still pending.

The Asset Forfeiture Unit of the National Prosecuting Authority said it had seized assets worth R395m in 2008, arising from 247 cases.

- SAPA