Police personnel who were allegedly involved in the contentious R191 million SA Police Service blue lights competition had assets worth about R75 million confiscated by the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU).
The issue concerns the allegedly dishonest tender given to Instrumentation Traffic Law Enforcement (Pty) Ltd to equip SAPS vehicles in Gauteng with blue lights and sirens.
The AFU and the NPA’s Investigative Directorate (NPA ID) worked together to solve the case. According to NPA ID National Spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka, the seizures happened at a number of homes in Gauteng.
“Following an application by the AFU, the appointed curator, along with the Sheriffs of the Court, Hawks, and members of the AFU, travelled to specific residential addresses in Sandton, Pretoria, Boksburg, Springs, and Sasolburg to execute a provisional restraint order.
“The assets include about 115 automobiles, 3 trucks, and at least 19 movable objects connected to the defendants. To find further assets, investigations are still going on, she said.
The following people are named as defendants in the criminal case: Vimpie Manthata Johannes, Director of Instrumentation Traffic Law Enforcement (Pty) Ltd; Ramahlapi Mokwena, Nombhuruza Napo, James Ramanjalum, Deliwe De Lange, Ravichandran Pillay, Joseph Mulaiwa, and Bonang Mgwenya; and Khomotso Phahlane, Former SAPS acting National Commissioner.
According to Seboka, the criminal case’s hearing is scheduled on November 2, 2022.
“The officials worked together to make sure Manthata’s company received the contract and the estimated R65 million payment.
This sum increased to the estimated R121 million of today.
“The SAPS officials were primarily compensated in cash, which in some cases appears to have met their monthly costs, mainly preserving their salaries.
The evidence suggests that in some cases the reward took the form of Manthata paying for the luxury cars, expensive apparel, and accessories.
“Investigations showed that Manthata and a few SAPS personnel maintained regular contact throughout the purchasing and payment processes.
The communications are related to Manthata’s significant cash withdrawals and the cash that SAPS personnel received, according to her.
In the event that the accused is found guilty, according to Seboka, the AFU will file “an application to commence a confiscation enquiry with the ultimate goal of the recovery of the stolen funds” from them.