MPUMALANGA – The Tembisa Regional Court has convicted and sentenced Ping Wu (49) today, 01 March 2022, to five years direct imprisonment for money laundering.

In April 2019 the Hawks Serious Organised Crime Investigation based in Middelburg registered an undercover project based investigation. The scope of the project was to address a syndicate in Gauteng who were illegally dealing in rhino horns.

On 23 July 2019, a search and seizure operation was conducted at Emperors Palace, Kempton Park. Ping Wu facilitated various money laundering transactions. These included carrying large sums of banknotes into the casino after a Rhino horn deal was done. She was arrested and detained in custody since 15 August 2019 after her bail bid was successfully opposed.

The Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Major General Zodwa Mokoena applauded the investigation team and Judiciary for the successful conviction of Ping Wu. She further appreciated the multidisciplinary approach during the initial arrest.

Source: South African Police Service