Suspected drug dealer's money forfeited

An amount of R1.2 million belonging to suspected drug dealer Busisiwe Elizabeth Motsepe has been forfeited to the state, the National Prosecuting Authority said on Monday.

   

The Asset Forfeiture Unit brought the application in the Pretoria High Court, even though the criminal case against Motsepe was withdrawn for lack of evidence, NPA spokesman Medupi Simasiku said in a statement.

   

"The court agreed with the AFU that the money was the proceeds of criminal activity and forfeited it to the state," he said.

   

In December 2010, police searched a house in KwaThema, Springs, after receiving information about drug trafficking.

   

They found R1.2m in cash hidden in a chest. Next to it were three kilograms of dagga.

   

Motsepe, who is unemployed, initially said she inherited the chest from her grandfather in 1991. She said it had contained R1.5m.

   

However, she later claimed to have won the money at a casino.

   

The AFU investigated the claim and found no record of such a win at any of the nearby casinos. 

   

"She then reverted back to her initial version that she inherited the money from her grandfather," said Simasiku.

   

"However, the AFU determined that the grandfather was a factory worker and that it is therefore unlikely that he could amass such a great fortune."

   

Simasiku said Motsepe was charged with possession of drugs and drug trafficking, but the case was withdrawn because of insufficient evidence. 

   

"Despite the withdrawal of the criminal case, the AFU applied to the court for the money to be forfeited...," he said.

   

-Sapa