The Hawks in Mpumalanga have secured High Court preservation and forfeiture orders against two vehicles valued at a combined R365 000 and allegedly linked to separate criminal cases.
The first matter involves a brown Toyota Fortuner valued at about R165 000, which was placed under a preservation order by the Nelspruit High Court following an incident in Balfour in May 2020.
According to the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, SAPS members were patrolling in Siyathemba, Balfour, on 18 May 2020 when they stopped the vehicle after noticing plastic-wrapped bundles on the rear seat and detecting the smell of dagga.
The two occupants allegedly confirmed that the bundles contained dagga. The driver is further alleged to have offered police officers R2 500 in exchange for their release.
The offer was rejected and both occupants were arrested for possession of dagga and corruption. The vehicle was subsequently seized for investigation.
In a separate matter in Barberton, the Hawks secured a forfeiture order against a blue VW Polo TSI valued at approximately R200 000.
On 15 December 2025, SAPS members stopped and searched the vehicle in Mandela Settlement, Barberton.
Police allegedly found six bags containing gold-bearing material and two explosive detonators in the boot.
The two occupants were arrested and detained at Barberton SAPS, while the vehicle was seized for further investigation.
Mpumalanga Hawks head Major General Nico Gerber said investigations did not end with the arrest of suspects and that authorities would continue pursuing assets allegedly linked to criminal activity through the appropriate legal processes.
The Hawks said they would continue working with the National Prosecuting Authority and other law-enforcement agencies to target assets and resources associated with unlawful activities.