FREE STATE HAWKS AND AFU SECURE A R5 MILLION FORFEITURE ORDER

Photo: Crime Scene Logo

Supplied

By: Neo Ntsele

The Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) together with the National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) have successfully secured a forfeiture order for cash linked to a case of tampering with essential infrastructure involving Patric Kapalamula. The order was granted by the Free State High Court in Bloemfontein on 20 February 2025. 

The case originated on 4 January 2022 when Kapalamula colluded with others to steal diesel from Transnet. 

A private security company personnel were conducting routine patrols on a farm near Vrede when they saw a group of suspects drawing diesel from a storage tank.

These suspects had already damaged the block valve and were filling four trucks and a bakkie with diesel.

Upon seeing the security officers, Kapalamula's partners in crime ran away leaving him behind to be arrested. 

Patrick Kapalamula 38, was sentenced to ten years imprisonment by the Vrede Regional Court on 4 December 2023 for contravention of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015.

He also faces deportation upon conclusion of his sentence. 

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in the Free State, Major General Mokgadi Bokaba views the forfeiture order as a just outcome.

She also commends the team that worked tirelessly towards achieving the order which will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators of such crimes affecting the State-owned companies.