Dagga trafficker's R100,000 getaway vehicle seized in Hawks crackdown

A vehicle allegedly converted into a drug-smuggling machine, with secret compartments concealing 59 parcels of dagga, has become the latest target of the Hawks' asset forfeiture operation.

The High Court granted a preservation order on Monday against a black Opel Corsa Utility valued at approximately R100,000, after investigators linked it to an alleged dagga trafficking operation in Mahamba, Mpumalanga.

The order means the vehicle is preserved while the authorities pursue the legal process relating to its possible forfeiture.

The case stems from an incident on August 9, when police officers conducting crime prevention operations intercepted the vehicle at approximately 6.30pm.

The vehicle was being driven by an adult Swazi national, Wandile Mkhathswa, who was its sole occupant.

According to the Hawks, officers requested permission to search the vehicle, which was voluntarily granted.

During the search, police detected a strong smell of dagga.

A closer inspection uncovered 59 parcels of the drug, wrapped in black and transparent plastic and concealed in secret compartments on both sides of the vehicle's body structure.

Investigators believe the compartments had been specifically used to conceal the drugs during transportation.

Mkhathswa allegedly admitted that the dagga belonged to him and told police he was transporting it to Pietermaritzburg for distribution and sale.

He was arrested on a charge of dealing in dagga, while the drugs and vehicle were seized for evidential purposes and further forensic examination.

The preservation order was secured through the Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Asset Investigation unit, working with the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit.

The latest action illustrates how investigators are increasingly targeting not only suspects but also the vehicles and other assets allegedly used to facilitate criminal operations.

Mpumalanga Hawks provincial head Major General Nico Gerber said the preservation order demonstrated that law enforcement would pursue assets connected to criminal activity.

He said the authorities would not limit their efforts to arrests and prosecutions but would also target the financial and material resources used to sustain criminal enterprises.

"Criminals must understand that the long arm of the law extends beyond arrests and prosecutions; it reaches the proceeds and instrumentalities of crime," Gerber said.

He commended the investigators and prosecutors involved in securing the order, warning that those who profited from illicit activities risked losing assets connected to their alleged crimes.

The Hawks said they remained committed to combating drug trafficking and protecting communities from organised crime.