NPA secures preservation order for Barney’s R3 million properties

THE ASSET Forfeiture Unit (AFU) of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the Northern Cape secured a preservation order from the Northern Cape High Court for Kuruman properties valued at about R3 million and linked to George “Barney” Peters, who is alleged to be connected to the Hollanders gang.

Northern Cape NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane said the properties were allegedly purchased using proceeds generated from criminal activities, including drug trafficking and the operation of illegal liquor outlets.

“Peters is alleged to have played a central role in organised gang activities, illegal drug distribution, and the unlawful operation of shebeens in Kimberley and Kuruman. Through these illicit enterprises, he is believed to have accumulated substantial financial benefits, which were used to acquire the preserved properties,” said Senokoatsane.

He added that one of Peters’s wives was killed after she reportedly demonstrated disloyalty to him and the gang, and that a R1.3 million life-insurance policy was paid out following her death.

“Peters, along with 17 alleged gang members and some of his former wives, is currently on trial in the Northern Cape High Court. The accused face an extensive list of charges, including aiding and abetting criminal gang activity; acts of violence committed on behalf of a criminal gang; contributing to a pattern of criminal activity; public violence; five counts of conspiracy to commit murder; 10 counts of attempted murder; 12 counts of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition; nine counts of fraud; three counts of murder; defeating or obstructing the course of justice; an additional five counts of attempted murder; two counts of malicious injury to property; two counts of pointing a firearm; assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH); assault; rape; and kidnapping.”

Senokoatsane said the NPA remained committed to combating organised crime, gangsterism, and the illicit financial gains derived from criminal activities.

“Securing and recovering assets linked to criminal conduct is a vital component of the NPA’s strategy to ensure that crime does not pay. The NPA will continue to act without fear, favour or prejudice in the pursuit of justice, and will continue to utilise asset recovery and Chapter 6 proceedings to forfeit assets without awaiting the finalisation of criminal trials, reinforcing its commitment to dismantling criminal enterprises,” he concluded.