The Asset Forfeiture Unit confiscated assets to the value of R21-million from three business people facing charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in a statement on Wednesday.
Cash, investments, property, furniture and vehicles were seized from South African Airways (SAA) employee Michael McKnight and his wife Gillian, a director at KPMG, said NPA spokesperson Lucinda Moonieya.
Two properties in Plettenberg Bay, a property in Ballito, a BMW X5, a Porsche Boxster and a Mitsubishi Pajero were confiscated from their friend Mervyn Reynolds.
The three were arrested in April and were released on bail by the Kempton Park Regional Court. McKnight and his wife were released on R5 000 bail each. Reynolds was granted bail of R20 000.
According to Moonieya, the three were arrested following an investigation by the Directorate of Special Operations (Scorpions).
McKnight, a senior aeronautical officer and senior buyer for SAA Technical, was responsible for purchasing parts used in the interior of aircraft.
”McKnight allegedly accepted R5,8-million in unauthorised payments for placing orders with approved suppliers.
”Payments were received into bank accounts of which the McKnights and Reynolds were the account holders or beneficiaries. Some ‘kickbacks’ were also allegedly paid into an account owned and operated by KPMG.
”Gillian McKnight allegedly used her position at KPMG to transfer the money she received into loan accounts she had with KPMG,” read the statement. The McKnights and Reynolds were the beneficiaries of the accounts.
In addition, Gillian McKnight allegedly did not adhere to the provisions of the Exchange Control Regulations when exchanging $100 000 to rands.
The three will appear in court again on November 16. — Sapa