The state has attached the property of a fugitive German businessman suspected of sexually assaulting young girls in the Helderberg district, News24 reported on Tuesday.
In accordance with a provisional court order issued by the Cape High Court, Werner Braun’s luxury home in Somerset West and a BMW X5 were seized in terms of legislation on the prevention of organised crime.
Braun’s lawyers have until early February to oppose the court order.
The application was brought by the National Prosecuting Authority.
Billy Downer, deputy director of public prosecutions, said in an affidavit that Braun had sexually assaulted girls younger than 16 since June 2003.
He apparently stopped these activities only after the television programme Special Assignment exposed him in September last year.
Braun and his wife had fled via Namibia to Germany and police suspected he wanted to sell the house.
Police have found eight girls who claim they were paid to have sexual intercourse with Braun or were submitted to indecent assaults.
Some of the girls were only 11 years old. All came from poor families and some of them were child prostitutes.
Willie Hofmeyr, head of the asset forfeiture unit, said on Monday the state can attach property that is directly linked to a crime.
In the case of a civil attachment, it is not necessary for the accused to have been sentenced for criminal charges, he said. — Sapa