Hawks prevent release of Fortuner tied to repeated criminal activities
The order came after two accused allegedly used the same vehicle in repeated criminal activities in Barberton.
The Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation Unit (PCSI) in Mpumalanga, in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (NPA AFU) secured a preservation order in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court today, May 27.
The order follows an incident in which a vehicle linked to criminal activities and allegedly used by the accused within a period of two months had been ordered to be released by the Barberton Magistrate’s Court.
Margardo Sebastiao Masive (45) and Gaspar Baptista Tamela (37), both Mozambican nationals who were in South Africa on visitor visas, were arrested in September 2025 and again in November 2025 for possession of suspected stolen motorcycle parts.
During the first arrest in September 2025 in Mbombela, the accused were travelling in a Toyota Fortuner towing a trailer.
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Following the arrest, the vehicle was released back to the suspects while the trailer remained in police custody.
In November 2025, the accused were arrested again in Barberton for a similar offence while travelling in the same Toyota Fortuner, this time towing a different trailer.
Subsequently, both the vehicle and the second trailer were seized and retained in police custody.
However, the Barberton Magistrate’s Court later issued an order authorising the release of the vehicle and both trailers to the accused.
The Toyota Fortuner, bearing Gauteng registration plates, is valued at approximately R160 000.
Upon receiving information regarding the intended release of the assets, the Hawks swiftly collaborated with the NPA AFU to prevent the release and intensify the investigation into the assets believed to be used in the commission of crimes
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The joint efforts resulted in the successful granting of a preservation order in respect of the identified assets. Formal forfeiture proceedings and disposal processes will now follow in accordance with the law.
