| Hawks secures preservation order of over R800 000 in a kidnapping case | |
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| Date Published: | |
| 2026/05/04 | |
| Description Details: | |
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Media Statement EASTERN CAPE - The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) together with Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of National Prosecuting Authority ensured that a preservation order of an amount of over R800 000 was granted by the Mthatha High Court on 29 April 2026. It is alleged that on 12 April 2026 at approximately 22:00, a victim was abducted at his residence in Libode by four unidentified individuals who falsely presented themselves as members of the South African Police Service. One of the perpetrators was reportedly in full police attire, forcibly entered the premises. Subsequently, during the forced entry, the victim was allegedly restrained, blindfolded, and removed from the residence under coercive conditions. The victim was ostensibly transported in a vehicle described as a Volkswagen Polo to an isolated location believed to be within the Maqanyeni forest area. During this period, the victim was apparently subjected to physical assault and sustained intimidation aimed at extracting confidential financial credentials. Further allegations exposed that the perpetrators compelled the victim to access his mobile banking application and to authenticate transactions through biometric verification processes conducted under duress. Financial analysis has confirmed that an amount of over R984 000, originating from compensation paid to the victim by the Road Accident Fund (RAF) was unlawfully transferred during the incident. Further reports divulged that the victim was kept overnight and later abandoned in an area during the early hours of the following day. Thorough intensive probe by the Hawks, led to the arrest of Lubabalo Gift Mofokeng (40) who was identified as a suspect and positively linked with the offence. The criminal case is currently active as investigation continues and anticipation of more arrest cannot be ruled out. A coordinated financial investigation was conducted by the Hawks which resulted in the successful identification and securing of an amount of over R800 000 of the misappropriated funds. An urgent application was brought before court, which culminated in the granting of a preservation order and prohibit the utilisation of the funds pending the finalisation of the matter. Ends
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