Court bid to seize Port Elizabeth businesses

THE National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) has applied for a provisional restraint order in orderto seize the assets of a Port Elizabeth mother whose company allegedly illegally exported thousands of kilograms of processed shark fillets and octopus to Australia without an export permit.

The NDPP's application for a provisional restraint order against Sharmilla van Heerden, 36, of Summerstrand, was this week postponed until Tuesday by the Port Elizabeth High Court.

If successful in its application – filed in terms of Section 26 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act – the NDPP will apply for a final restraint order compelling the surrender of property held by Van Heerden, her husband, as well as their companies.

Van Heerden's husband, Marius, and businesses which they own and hold directorships in, namely, Fisherman Fresh CC, Fisherman Fresh (Pty) Ltd, Algoaspace (Pty) Ltd and 4Q Fishing (Pty) Ltd, all appear as respondents in the court papers filed.

The state alleges while the businesswoman has a permit and licence to catch, process and sell shark and octopus, she does not have a permit to export them. - Lee-Anne Butler