The Lichtenburg Magistrate’s Court has postponed the bail hearing of 35-year-old Ziyahd Hoorzook, who stands accused of financing a terrorist organisation. His case, which has attracted significant attention, will resume on January 22.
Hoorzook faces serious charges under the Protection of Constitutional Democracy against Terrorist and Related Activities Act (POCDATARA), including six alternative counts related to terrorist financing, violations of the Regulation of Foreign Military Assistance Act, and breaches of the Firearms Control Act for failing to secure firearms properly.
The arrest of Hoorzook last month followed a lengthy investigation spearheaded by the Hawks, in partnership with the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC). The inquiry, which began in 2018, was triggered by a series of suspicious financial transactions linked to Hoorzook’s accounts. Authorities say the probe uncovered that, in November 2017, Hoorzook purchased R11,500 worth of Bitcoin on the cryptocurrency exchange Luno. These funds were then transferred to a digital wallet associated with an organisation that initially appeared to be a charity.
However, further scrutiny revealed that the organisation was connected to groups suspected of financing terrorism in conflict zones abroad. Prosecutors claim that Hoorzook’s funds were used to purchase weapons and provide financial support to militants engaged in foreign conflicts.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, both the State and the defence presented their arguments on Hoorzook’s bail application. Sivenathi Gunya, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the North West Division, confirmed that Hoorzook will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
This case highlights growing concerns raised by the FIC’s April 2024 terrorist financing risk-assessment report, which uncovered significant vulnerabilities within South Africa’s non-profit sector. According to the FIC, some organisations posing as charities may be exploited to fund terrorism, with cryptocurrency transactions posing an additional challenge to tracking illicit financial flows.
The investigation into Hoorzook’s activities is ongoing, and his case is expected to shed further light on the risks posed by the misuse of financial systems, particularly in relation to emerging technologies like cryptocurrency.
