On 11 January 2010 the North Gauteng high court granted forfeiture order in terms of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) in respect of a Daewoo Lanos bakkie valued at R60 000 belonging to Senior Superintendent Noko Johannes Mothupi. The application was launched by Asset Forfeiture unit of the National Prosecuting Authority in terms of POCA which allows the Asset Forfeiture unit to seize and forfeit property used in connection with unlawful activities.
Senior Superintendent Mothupi was a senior member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) stationed at Silverton police station and has since been dismissed from the service. He allegedly used his vehicle to transport and conceal an explosive device, namely a Russian made Grad P 122 millimetres projectile. These projectiles are normally used as ordinance in a multiple rocket launcher vehicle known as a MB 21 Grad. They are ordinarily used in military warfare and have immense firepower.
He was arrested on 5 June 2008 in a sting operation at the Sheraton Hotel in Arcadia, Pretoria after he attempted to sell the explosive device for R6 million under the pretext that it was enriched uranium. The device was analysed for radioactivity by The South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA).
It is not known how Senior Superintendent Mothupi obtained the explosive device.
His criminal case for contravention of the Firearms Control Act has been partly heard at regional court eight in Pretoria magistrates’ court and postponed to 8 and 9 April 2010 for further evidence and he is currently out on R5 000 bail.
This matter illustrates that no one is above the law and that the Asset Forfeiture unit in partnership with SAPS is even more determined to combat crime whenever law enforcement officials are involved.
Contact:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 072 198 6863
E-mail: mcmhaga@npa.gov.za or media@npa.gov.za
Issued by: National Prosecuting Authority
12 January 2010
Source: National Prosecuting Authority (http://www.npa.gov.za/)
