FREE STATE – Just like Proverbs 10 verse 2 reads, ‘Ill-gotten treasures have no lasting value, but righteousness delivers from death’.

This was proven to be true as a Free State church siphoning money from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) saw four vehicles forfeited.

It is alleged that four employees of a post office in Tseseng channeled SASSA money into a post office account of a church belonging to one of them.

About R8 million was siphoned in this manner between January 2020 and February 2022.

A painstaking investigation conducted by Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) and Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) saw vehicles belonging to two suspects in this matter as well as money in different bank accounts forfeited to the State.

The investigators continue to work around the clock to ensure that those involved have their day in court.

The Free State Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Major General Mokgadi Bokaba welcomed the forfeiture order granted by the court in relation to four vehicles purchased with proceeds of crime.

Bokaba applauded the joint efforts by members of the Hawks’ PCSI, National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and AFU which resulted in the order being granted.

“It is wrong for anyone to be seen living lavishly using money and assets acquired illegally. It is our mission to go after such people with vigour in order to create a country where citizens value making an honest living,” said Major General Bokaba.