On 24 May 2013 the Northern Cape High Court granted the NPA Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) a final restraint order effectively freezing the assets of Nowell Kasimbingue and Johnie Olivier.
The order stems from the arrest of Kasimbingue and 8 others on 7 November 2011. He is charged with fraud on the 23 July 2010 he allegedly lured Mr Sarel Johannes, Petrus Roux of Fauresmith to Kimberley under false pretences. He had informed Sarel that Roux had purchased diamonds for R100 000 from them earlier on were to be re-purchased for R2.6 million. Whilst Roux was waiting in a Kimberley Guest House for this to take place, male persons, impersonating police members, stormed into the room, kidnapped him and successfully extorted an additional R300 000 from him. Roux identified his assailants and financial investigation also revealed bank account holders into which Roux’s relatives or friends deposited the extortion money.
The AFU restrained immovable property worth over R500 000 belonging to Kasimbingue, Johnie Oliviers, Hendrik Rooi and Henri Joseph Bos pending their convictions. The criminal case has been remanded to 2 August 2013 in the Kimberley Magistrate’s Court.
In an unrelated matter, Judge Williams reserved judgment in a forfeiture application against Kasimbungue’s house situated at 267 Skool Street, Langverwag, Kakamas. The house was allegedly used on a number of occasions by luring innocent farmers and pretend to buy cattle but ended up being kidnapped and presented with fake diamonds i.e. ‘knockers’ and demanded money which the victims paid totalling amount of R312 000.00. A number of witnesses pointed Kasimbingue as one of those present when the criminal activities were committed. In argument, Advocate Coetzee submitted that Kasimbingue was not present and is not aware what the witnesses were talking about. Mr Ndzengu appeared for AFU arguing for the forfeiture of the house, the estimated value of R80 000.
Enquiries:
Mashudu Malabi, Regional Communication Manager – Kimberley
Cell: 074 823 3603
Tel: 053 807 4542
E-mail: mmalabi@npa.gov.za|media@npa.gov.za
