NPA freezes R99m in assets linked to alleged extortion syndicate

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has secured a provisional restraint order over assets valued at approximately R99 million allegedly linked to Joe Sibanyoni and others suspected of involvement in an extortion syndicate.

The order was obtained by the NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Mpumalanga, working with the authority’s Organised Crime Unit and the South African Police Service (SAPS).

In a statement on Thursday, the NPA said that the order was granted on September 28 by the Mpumalanga Division of the High Court in Middelburg under Section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA), Act 121 of 1998.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the order covers several properties and vehicles belonging to Sibanyoni and other individuals, with the combined value estimated at R99 million.

The restraint order prevents the affected parties from selling or disposing of the assets while the legal process is under way.

The authorities have also sought to freeze bank accounts and investments linked to the matter to preserve funds that could potentially be recovered if the court ultimately finds that the assets are proceeds of crime.

Kganyago said the restraint proceedings were intended to ensure that assets allegedly acquired through criminal activities remain available for possible recovery once the case has been finalised.