AFU SECURES PRESERVATION ORDER FOR PROPERTY LINKED TO ZUKO NONXUBA

The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has obtained a preservation order from the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, sitting in Bhisho, in terms of section 38 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act 121 of 1998 (POCA). 

The order preserves a residential property valued at approximately R4 million that is linked to attorney, Zuko Nonxuba.  The property is situated at 21 Ocean Way, Gonubie, KuGompo City.

The order was granted after evidence was presented to the court indicating reasonable grounds to believe that the property may constitute the proceeds of unlawful activities as contemplated in POCA. It prevents the property from being sold, transferred, encumbered or otherwise dissipated while further forfeiture proceedings are considered.

The application forms part of an ongoing investigation into allegations that Nonxuba misappropriated trust funds and unlawfully handled money intended for vulnerable beneficiaries under court orders obtained against the Eastern Cape Department of Health.

The AFU alleges that unlawfully obtained funds were used to acquire the property. Evidence presented to the court indicated that substantial sums intended for beneficiaries were allegedly not paid to them and were used for purposes unrelated to those for which the funds had been entrusted.

The NPA remains committed to recovering assets derived from criminal conduct in accordance with the law. The AFU will now consider instituting forfeiture proceedings in respect of the property.

The NPA acknowledges the assistance of the South African Police Service, the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury, the Legal Practice Council, financial institutions, the Eastern Cape Department of Health and other stakeholders who contributed to the joint investigation.

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson – Eastern Cape Division