The Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Mbombela issued a forfeiture order on October 1 for a house and three vehicles linked to former Department of Health secretary Sanele Sanderson.

The forfeited assets are collectively valued at about R2.5m.

The order, received by the provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) Asset Investigation on October 9, targets assets belonging to Sanderson, the former secretary, accused of unlawfully enriching herself with R5m in public funds intended for community services.

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The Mpumalanga Hawks’ spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Magonseni Nkosi, confirmed the details of the illicit scheme and the subsequent forfeiture.

“She solicited money through two deceitful service providers that were paid for services not provided. Fake delivery notes were issued, and payments were processed. Sanderson used part of her illegal gains to acquire significant assets. Part of her unlawful benefits was used to purchase a house worth a staggering amount of R1.5m in Barberton,” said Nkosi.

He added that the proceeds from the sale of the first property were used to buy the Sunninghill house, which has now been forfeited.

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In an apparent attempt to obscure ownership, the Johannesburg house was reportedly registered under her daughter’s name.

Sanderson also allegedly purchased a fleet of three vehicles valued at R1m: a Toyota Quantum, a Hyundai light delivery vehicle, and a VW Golf.

Upon receiving the complaint, the Hawks moved swiftly to track and recover the assets. The investigation successfully resulted in the discovery and recovery of both the Sunninghill house and the Toyota Quantum.

Nkosi noted that while the other two vehicles remain unlocated, the necessary documentation to do so was finalised.