The Hawks in Mpumalanga have secured a High Court preservation order for cash believed to have been the proceeds of mercury sales.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) said the order forms part of its strategy to target assets linked to crime and ensure crime does not pay.

Hawks preserve R60 200 in alleged mercury case

According to the Hawks, members of the Mbombela-based Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at a herbalist shop in Barberton on July 16, following information about the alleged illegal sale of mercury.

During the search, mercury was recovered together with R60 200 in cash, which was allegedly concealed in different locations inside the premises.

The alleged owner of the shop, a Ugandan national, was arrested.

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The Hawks said she could not provide a reasonable explanation for the origin of the cash.

The money was seized and deposited with the SAPS Finance Office in Mbombela.

The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court granted a preservation order for the R60 200 on September 16.

“The order prevents the money from being dissipated while investigations continue,” said Mpumalanga Hawks spokesperson Colonel Magonseni Nkosi.

Nkosi said the Hawks would continue to pursue criminal proceeds and assets linked to unlawful activities.

He could not immediately explain what happened to the accused after her arrest saying he still needed to interact with the investigating officer in this regard.