NPA freezes R3.4 million in assets linked to alleged R9 million Kathu school theft

The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit has taken legal steps to freeze R3.4 million in assets believed to have been acquired using proceeds from a suspected R9 million theft at Kathu High School in the Northern Cape. The move comes after the High Court issued preservation and restraint orders over a range of properties and vehicles, marking another step in the ongoing investigation into the alleged financial misconduct involving a former school employee. The assets under seizure include a residential property in Kathu valued at around R1.8 million, along with four motor vehicles and three caravans collectively worth R1.6 million. These items were seized following a joint effort by the AFU in Kimberley and the Priority Crime Specialised Inspectorate (PCSI) of the Hawks unit. The court granted the restraint order on Thursday, preventing the sale, transfer, or disposal of the assets until the criminal case concludes and any subsequent forfeiture process is completed. Jessica Kuhn, a former finance clerk at Kathu High School, faces charges of fraud and money laundering. According to NPA spokesperson Mojalefa Senokoatsane, the investigation found that some of the vehicles and caravans were registered under the names of Kuhn’s family members. The cars were reportedly purchased in cash from the same dealership in Upington over a span of three weeks. The dealership provided key information that helped identify the assets, according to Senokoatsane. Kuhn was employed at the school during the period when the alleged R9 million was misappropriated. Investigators noted unusual cash transactions that prompted further inquiry into the origin of the funds. The purchase of high-value items in quick succession raised red flags, especially considering Kuhn’s position and access to school finances. She has been denied bail and is scheduled to appear in the Kuruman Regional Court on August 31. The preservation and restraint orders ensure that the assets remain intact throughout the legal proceedings. The AFU will continue collaborating with investigators to trace additional assets potentially tied to the alleged crimes. Senokoatsane emphasized that the action reflects the NPA’s determination to prevent criminals from profiting from their illegal activities. “These proceedings demonstrate the NPA's commitment to ensuring that crime does not pay,” he stated. Asset forfeiture plays a vital role in addressing economic crime, according to the NPA. Senokoatsane highlighted that the successful freezing of the assets illustrates how such measures can protect public resources and hold individuals accountable for wrongdoing. “The NPA remains committed to using all available legal mechanisms to recover assets linked to criminal conduct,” he added. This case exemplifies the broader strategy of leveraging legal tools to combat financial misconduct and safeguard institutional integrity.