12 October 2007
The Johannesburg Office of the Asset Forfeiture Unit today executed a
restraint order obtained to seize the property of well known racing car driver,
Pierre Roy Brydges, and his girlfriend, Cindy Goodall. Brydges and his
girlfriend were arrested in May this year on charges relating to the illegal
manufacturing and dealing in methamphetamines used to make the drug Crystal
Meth or Tik.
Investigations commenced when police received a tip off concerning illegal
drug activities conducted at premises in Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg, which
were leased by Brydges. They visited the premises on 9 May 2007 and found a
clandestine drug laboratory in operation with sufficient chemical substances to
make approximately R18,6 million worth of Crystal Meth or Tik. Documentation
was found showing the importation of chemicals from China as well as a book on
how to manufacture methamphetamines.
Director Piet Byleveld of the South African Police Service is involved in
the investigations.
Money laundering charges are also being considered.
Brydges, his girlfriend and three other persons associated with the criminal
activities were arrested and appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates Court. All
but Brydges were released on bail. Brydges was refused bail. He sought leave to
appeal this decision in the High Court. Leave was granted but the Court upheld
the Magistrate Court's decision not to grant bail. Brydges successfully sought
leave to appeal this decision, but the Supreme Court of Appeal also upheld the
decision not to grant him bail.
The proceeds of the sale of Brydges' mansion in Northcliff, valued at
approximately R4,5 million, were seized as well as his valuable racing car. A
BMW vehicle and jewellery given by him to Goodall (estimated at approximately
R500 000) were also placed under restraint in terms of the asset forfeiture
order. The property was restrained on the basis that it was presumed that
Brydges and Goodall benefited substantially from crime, which benefit must be
recovered.
The criminal case has been postponed to 13 December 2007. The accused have
the opportunity of challenging the asset forfeiture order on 27 November
2007.
The Regional Head of the Johannesburg Office of the AFU Nomonde Mngqibisa,
has commented that "As a result of the good working relationship between the
South African Police Service (SAPS) and the AFU, an asset forfeiture order was
successfully obtained. The present case involves serious drug - related
offences. Tik or Crystal Meth is currently a scourge in society. All efforts
must be made to combat such offences as in this case by removing the incentive
and resources to commit such crimes through intensive police investigations and
the use of asset forfeiture provisions. This case demonstrates that crime does
not pay and that no person is above the law."
Enquiries:
Tlali Tlali
Cell: 082 333 3880
Issued by: National Prosecuting Authority
12 October 2007
