Hawks secure R800,000 from stolen RAF payout after Eastern Cape kidnapping

The Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Eastern Cape have secured a forfeiture order authorising the recovery of R800,000 for a man who was allegedly kidnapped and robbed of his Road Accident Fund (RAF) compensation.

Forfeiture order and who secured it

The forfeiture order was granted by the Mthatha High Court on 16 July 2026. The order was obtained after a joint operation by the Hawks’ Priority Crime Specialised Investigation (PCSI) Asset Forfeiture Investigation (AFI) unit and the NPA.

Alleged abduction and theft

According to IOL, the incident began on the evening of 12 April 2026 when the victim was asleep at home and awakened by aggressive knocking. The suspects allegedly identified themselves as police officers and forced their way into the house; one suspect was reportedly dressed in a police uniform.

The suspects allegedly overpowered the victim, seized his cellphone, covered his head with a blanket and abducted him in a Volkswagen Polo. He was taken to Maqanyeni Forest, where he was allegedly subjected to prolonged intimidation and violence and repeatedly assaulted with the butt of a firearm until he disclosed the personal identification number linked to his bank account.

The victim was then allegedly taken to an unknown flat and forced to authenticate electronic banking transactions. IOL reports the suspects unlawfully transferred R900,000 from the victim’s account, followed by a further R84,000. Those funds represented compensation that had been lawfully awarded to the victim by the Road Accident Fund.

After being held overnight, the victim was allegedly abandoned in a valley not far from his home, IOL says.

Investigation, arrest and recovery

A criminal case was opened and referred to the Hawks’ Asset Forfeiture Investigation for a financial recovery probe. The financial investigation identified Lubabalo Gift Mofokeng, 40, as a suspect. Evidence gathered led to a warrant for Mofokeng’s arrest and his subsequent apprehension; his bail application was opposed and he remains in custody pending the continuation of criminal proceedings, IOL reports.

The Hawks said investigators preserved the stolen funds through a financial inquiry and secured the forfeiture of proceeds derived from the crime. The amount to be returned to the victim is reported as R800,000.

Response from the Hawks

The Eastern Cape Hawks praised the joint investigating team for depriving suspects of the proceeds of the alleged offence and for restoring stolen assets to the victim, IOL reports.

According to IOL, these details were included in the Hawks’ account of the matter.