NPA'S AFU SECURES PRESERVATION AND RESTRAINT ORDERS OVER R3.4MILLION IN ASSETS LINKED TO ALLEGED R9MILLION SCHOOL THEFT
BY: CHANON LECODEY MERRICKS | ONLINE EDITOR
NPA'S AFU SECURES PRESERVATION AND RESTRAINT ORDERS OVER R3.4MILLION IN ASSETS LINKED TO ALLEGED R9MILLION SCHOOL THEFT
KIMBERLEY, Northern Cape – The National Prosecuting Authority's (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in Kimberley, working in collaboration with the Priority Crime Specialised Inspectorate (PCSI) of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), has successfully secured preservation and restraint orders over assets valued at approximately R3.4 million, allegedly acquired with the proceeds of a R9 million theft from a school in Kathu.
The latest development follows the granting of a restraint order by the High Court on 27 August 2026 over a residential property in Kathu valued at approximately R1.8 million, belonging to Jessica Kuhn, who is facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
This follows an earlier success on 20 August 2026, when the AFU obtained a preservation order over four motor vehicles and three caravans with a combined value of approximately R1.6 million.
Investigations revealed that some of the vehicles and caravans were registered in the names of Kuhn's family members. The investigation further established that the vehicles were purchased for cash from the same dealership in Upington over a period of approximately three weeks.
The dealership played a crucial role in assisting law enforcement authorities by providing information that contributed significantly to the tracing and identification of the assets.
Kuhn was employed as a finance clerk at Kathu High School, where she allegedly misappropriated approximately R9 million over a period of time. Investigators identified substantial cash purchases made within a relatively short period, raising concerns regarding the source of the funds, particularly in light of her employment position and apparent financial means.
Kuhn is currently facing charges of fraud and money laundering and has already been denied bail. She is expected to appear before the Kuruman Regional Court on 31 August 2026.
The preservation and restraint orders prevent the identified assets from being sold, transferred, concealed, or otherwise disposed of pending the outcome of the criminal prosecution and any subsequent forfeiture proceedings.
The AFU continues to work closely with investigative authorities to identify, trace, preserve, and recover assets believed to have been acquired through criminal activities.
These proceedings demonstrate the NPA's commitment to ensuring that crime does not pay and that those who benefit from alleged criminal conduct are deprived of the proceeds derived from such activities.
The successful preservation and restraint of these assets underscore the critical role of asset forfeiture in combating economic crime and safeguarding public resources. The NPA remains committed to using all available legal mechanisms to recover assets linked to criminal conduct and to protect the interests of affected institutions and communities.
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