By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Free State High Court granted a final forfeiture order for six luxury properties and a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, worth R32 million, linked Free State Asbestos tender scandal.
The court found that six luxury properties and a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG were proceeds of unlawful activities, including fraud, corruption, theft, and money laundering. The assets were also used to facilitate financial crimes linked to the irregular R255 million tender.
The properties are located in Sandton, Hartbeespoort, Wonderboom, Randburg, and Parys.
Investigators traced funds from the Free State Department of Human Settlements directly to the acquisition of these assets.
The case relates to a 2014 tender awarded irregularly to a joint venture between Diamond Hill Trading 71 and Blackhead Consulting.
Although valued at around R255 million, most of the work was not completed, and approximately R230 million was paid out and diverted through multiple accounts and entities.
The court dismissed the respondents’ defences and confirmed that civil forfeiture proceedings can proceed independently of criminal cases.
The forfeited assets will now be sold, with proceeds going to the State’s Criminal Assets Recovery Account.
The new National Director of Public Prosecutions, Andy Mothibi, commended the team in the matter.
Mothibi praised the collaboration between the NPA, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, and the Special Investigating Unit, highlighting its importance in tackling corruption and recovering stolen public funds.