Court Orders Final Forfeiture of R32m Assets Linked to Free State Asbestos Tender

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has welcomed a High Court ruling in Bloemfontein granting a final forfeiture order for assets worth R32 million, including six luxury properties and a high-end SUV.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the court found, on a balance of probabilities, that the assets were proceeds of unlawful activities such as fraud, corruption, theft, violations of the Public Finance Management Act, and money laundering.

The court also determined that the properties and vehicle were used in money laundering linked to the controversial R230 million Free State asbestos roofing tender.

Kganyago explained that the forfeiture is a civil process, separate from criminal proceedings that require a conviction. He noted that those opposing the forfeiture failed to prove that the assets were legally acquired, offering only unsubstantiated denials without credible evidence.

The assets forfeited to the state include high-value properties in Sandton, Hartebeespoort, Wonderboom, Randburg, and Parys, as well as a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG reportedly purchased with cash.

The ruling marks a significant step in efforts to recover funds linked to alleged corruption in the asbestos tender case.