The Mthatha High Court has granted a forfeiture order for a Toyota Corolla valued at approximately R99,000 following an investigation into a robbery and the possession of an unlicensed firearm in Matatiele.
The order was granted on 6 October 2026 after an asset forfeiture investigation conducted by the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation (AFI) unit in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The case dates back to 25 March 2018, when the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Matatiele received information about a robbery at a spaza shop in Lukholweni. During the incident, the perpetrators allegedly stole cash and cigarettes while armed with a firearm.
Police officers were dispatched to locate a suspected getaway vehicle described as a white Toyota Corolla. Officers subsequently spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it. However, the driver allegedly ignored their instructions and sped off, prompting a pursuit that ended when police successfully intercepted the car. Two occupants, Richard Thomas and Simthandile Badela, were found inside.
A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a shotgun concealed beneath a seat. The firearm’s serial numbers had been obliterated, and live ammunition was also recovered. Police further discovered a school bag containing assorted cigarettes, R5,050 in cash and pepper spray. None of the occupants reportedly accepted responsibility for the recovered items when questioned.
All the suspects were arrested, and the items were confiscated for further investigation. The recovered cash was subsequently returned to its lawful owner. Investigations later established that the Toyota Corolla was registered to a traffic officer employed by the Matatiele Local Municipality, who was driving the vehicle at the time of the incident.
The vehicle, valued at approximately R99,000, subsequently became the subject of asset forfeiture proceedings following the referral of the matter to the Hawks’ AFI unit. The criminal proceedings also resulted in lengthy prison sentences for the two accused. Thomas, identified as a traffic officer, was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, while Badela received a sentence of 16 years’ imprisonment. The forfeiture order marks a further development in the legal proceedings arising from the 2018 incident.
he asset will be sold, and the proceeds will be deposited into Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA).