NPA seizes assets worth R75 million in the Saps 'blue lights' case
The AFU on Friday restrained the assets of officials in the South African Police (Saps) who allegedly colluded with a service provider linked to the controversial R191 million 'Blue lights' case, which includes former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane.
“The appointed curator together with the Sheriffs of the Court, members of the Hawks, and members of the AFU proceeded to certain residential addresses in Sandton, Pretoria, Boksburg, Springs, and Sasolburg to execute a provisional restraint order following an application by the AFU”, said ID spokesperson Sindisiwe Seboka.
According to the statement issued by the NPA on Friday, the assets include at least 19 immovable properties linked to the accused as well as approximately 115 vehicles which include three trucks.
The assets include at least 19 immovable properties linked to the accused as well as approximately 115 vehicles which includes 3 trucks. Investigations are ongoing to trace further assets. pic.twitter.com/vi9VwUvjIn
— NPASouthAfrica (@NPA_Prosecutes) August 26, 2022
The criminal case relating to the matter involves a contract by the SAPS that was irregularly awarded to a service provider, Instrumentation for Traffic Law Enforcement (Pty) Ltd, for the supply and fitment of blue lights and sirens to Gauteng SAPS vehicles.
The sole director of this entity is Vimpie Phineas Tlalefang Manthata.
Manthata and his company are joined by several high-ranking officials who were working in the police service at the time including Phahlane, Johannes Mokwena, Lettie Napo, James Ramanjalum, Deliwe de Lange, Ravichandran Swamivel Pillay, Joseph Mulaiwa and Bonang Mgwenya in the case against him.
Seboka said: “The officials, acting in concert, ensured that Manthata’s entity was awarded the contract and was paid approximately R65 million. This amount escalated to present-day estimates of R121 million. The SAPS officials were mostly rewarded with cash payments, which in several instances appear to have covered their monthly expenses, leaving their salaries largely intact. The evidence indicates that in certain instances, the reward was in the form of the purchase of luxury cars and expensive clothing and accessories paid for by Manthata.”
Investigations revealed that Manthata and some police officials were in constant communication during the procurement and payment process.
"The communications are linked to the withdrawal of substantial amounts in cash by Manthata and the cash received by the Saps officials."
The AFU said on conviction of the accused it will proceed with an application to institute a confiscation inquiry aimed at the recovery of the stolen funds.
The case against the accused is expected back in court on 02 November 2022.
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