The Hawks' Priority Crime Specialised Investigation unit and the National Prosecuting Authority have secured a preservation order in a kidnapping and murder case.

The order was granted by the Mthatha High Court. The asset was a silver grey and white Mitsubishi worth R100 000.

The case marks a decisive advancement in the strategic deployment of asset forfeiture as a crime-combatting instrument.

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"The matter arises from the abduction of the victim on 17 January 2023. The victim was allegedly accused of stealing the accused personal property.

"This accusation precipitated a calculated and sustained act of violence, where the victim was subjected to severe assault before being forcibly conveyed to a remote forested area utilising a motor vehicle under the control of the culprits," the Hawks said in a statement.

Following the incident, a Missing Person Enquiry was initiated. However, through meticulous investigative scrutiny, evidentiary synthesis and prosecutorial consultation, the matter underwent a critical reclassification, culminating in the registration of a kidnapping and murder.

During investigation, the accused were identified as Andile Tyusha (52) and Olwethu Mampofu (37).

Despite extensive, resource-intensive search operations conducted by law enforcement, the victim remains untraced, thereby intensifying the gravity and complexity of the case.

The criminal case is still active and was remanded to 25 May 2026 for trial at Mthatha High Court. The preservation order prohibits the use if the asset pending the finalisation of the matter.