Marry Mubaiwa’s property has been auctioned in South Africa following the granting of a forfeiture order by a Gauteng High Court.
The recent ruling was handed down by the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria, under Case No. 6435/22, in which a forfeiture order was granted against assets belonging to Mubaiwa.
Two Land Rover Range Rovers, bearing registration numbers HJ40JNGP and HX61SGGP, respectively, were auctioned.
These assets, previously placed under a preservation order on February 9 2022, were linked to the alleged proceeds of unlawful activities, including money laundering and illicit
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPAZ), in a statement, acknowledged and commended the action.
The court order, issued on December 5, 2022, by the Honourable Justice JJ Strijdom, declared the following properties forfeited to the South African State in terms of Section 48 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998: Erf 191 Sterrewag, Extension 3, a luxury immovable property in Pretoria.
Two Land Rover Range Rovers, bearing registration numbers HJ40JNGP and HX61SGGP, respectively.
These assets, previously placed under a preservation order on 09 February 2022, were linked to the alleged proceeds of unlawful activities, including money laundering and illicit financial flows.
The High Court ordered that the said properties be placed under the custody of an auctioneer, with proceeds of the public sale to be directed towards compensating the victim(s) of the offence.
One of the forfeited vehicles was recently auctioned, with the proceeds set to be transferred to the victim.
The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe views this case as a landmark demonstration of the strength and efficacy of cross-border legal cooperation within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
The outcome reflects the enduring partnership between the NPA of South Africa and its Zimbabwean counterpart in addressing transnational financial crimes and the recovery of proceeds of crime.
This forfeiture action aligns with our shared obligations under international and regional instruments, including the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the SADC Protocol Against Corruption, which emphasize mutual legal assistance, asset tracing, and the confiscation of illicit assets.
“On behalf of the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe, we wish to express our appreciation to the South African National Prosecuting Authority, in particular the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), for their professional and principled handling of this matter.
“The decisive action by the Gauteng High Court sends a clear message that crime, particularly of a transnational nature, will not be tolerated and that illicit assets have no sanctuary within the region.
“We remain committed to supporting such enforcement actions and enhancing our collaboration to uphold justice and accountability across borders.
“The NPAZ reiterates its commitment to the rule of law, justice delivery, and regional solidarity in the fight against corruption and organised crime.
“We continue to work closely with our domestic and international partners to ensure that no one is above the law and that criminal gains are pursued wherever they may be hidden.”
