The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in KwaZulu-Natal has forfeited a Mercedes-Benz C300 Coupe belonging to Mbuso Moloi, it said this week.
Moloi is currently facing charges of theft and public violence related to the looting of a Woolworths store during the unrest that gripped parts of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in July 2021.
The vehicle, valued at about R500 000 at the time of the offence, was forfeited on the basis that it was instrumental in the offences committed by Moloi.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, said since the vehicle is still under purchase agreement from a bank, it will be handed over to the banking group in due course.
“The AFU welcomes this development as it reinforces the NPA’s strategy to focus not only on prosecutions but also on taking away assets where they are proven to be instrumental to the commission of the crime,” said Ramkisson-Kara.
“In terms of chapter six of Poca [Prevention of Organised Crime Act], such recoveries are not reliant on convictions at the end of the trial and can be an effective deterrent against crime.”
Moloi was released on R5 000 bail when he appeared in court earlier this year and the trial was set for March 27-31 2023.
Moloi trended on social media during the unrest when he was spotted allegedly looting from a Woolworths store and stocking up his Mercedes-Benz.
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