Eastern Cape: The Mthatha High Court granted a preservation order on 3 June 2026 following an application by the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Unit and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The order relates to a white Isuzu KB bakkie, valued at approximately R80,000, which was allegedly used in the commission of a drug-related offence.
The matter stems from an incident on 10 May 2023, when members of the Mount Fletcher Police Station received credible intelligence indicating that a suspected drug dealer was travelling to Mthatha to obtain illicit narcotics. The intelligence further identified the vehicle involved as a white Isuzu KB bakkie operating without registration plates and disguised as a breakdown vehicle.
Acting on the information, police members successfully located and stopped a vehicle matching the description. Consent was obtained to search both the vehicle and its occupants. During the search, officers discovered three freezer bags containing a substance suspected to be methamphetamine, commonly known as “tik”, concealed inside a Steers chips container. The method of concealment is consistent with tactics frequently employed by drug traffickers to evade detection.
At the time of the interception, the vehicle was occupied by four male suspects who allegedly attempted to evade arrest but were unsuccessful. Upon questioning, none of the occupants could provide a satisfactory explanation for the presence of the suspected drugs in the vehicle.
As a result, Somtsewu Yongama (32), Mtumtum Nande (32), Onele Mini (26), and Yanga Bhebheza (23) were arrested on charges related to the possession of drugs. The suspected narcotics were seized, and the vehicle was impounded as a potential instrumentality of criminal activity. The matter was subsequently referred to the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation Unit for further investigation.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and the legal merits of the case, an application for a preservation order was brought before the High Court. The Court granted the order in respect of the Isuzu KB bakkie.
The preservation order represents more than the safeguarding of a physical asset. It serves as a strategic intervention aimed at disrupting criminal operations and dismantling the infrastructure used to facilitate illicit activities. The order further prohibits the use or disposal of the vehicle pending the finalisation of the matter. The criminal case has been referred to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision.