Pubdate: Tue, 21 Dec 2004
Source: Cape Argus (South Africa)
Copyright: 2004 Cape Argus.
Contact:  http://capeargus.co.za/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2939
Author: Karyn Maughan

FIGHT FOR MR BIG'S EMPIRE

Marinus Opposes Bid For His Assets

Alleged crime kingpin Quinton "Mr Big" Marinus will fight prosecuting
authority efforts to seize his multi-million-rand estate, the Cape
High Court was told today.

The State had won a secret High Court order to "restrain" R8 million
worth of property belonging to Marinus and 14 co-accused shortly
before they were arrested in October.

Marinus, who was granted R100 000 bail on 47 charges - including four
of murder - in the Bellville Magistrate's Court late last month, was
asked to appear in court today to say whether he would oppose the
order being made final.

It would place control of his property in the hands of a KPMG curator.
Arriving at court with his advocate Pete Mihalik today, Marinus, 35,
appeared relaxed but tired.

Mr Justice Siraj Desai granted an order by agreement between Mihalik,
who also appeared for some of Marinus's co-defendants, and Andrew
Breytenbach, for the prosecuting authority, by which the application
was postponed to next June.

It is understood that Marinus has been allowed to continue operating
his transport businesses, which own seven minibus taxis.

Among the charges he faces are three counts of conspiracy to commit
murder, one count of attempted murder and three charges of assault
with intent to do grievous bodily harm.

He and the others, who include his wife Davidene and cousin Calvyn
Marinus, face charges of armed robbery, drug-dealing, conspiracy to
commit fraud, the illegal sale of liquor, offences related to
perlemoen smuggling and racketeering activities over a 10-year period.

The remaining defendants are Brian Daniels, Fareed Mohammed, Fabian
Abrahams, Glestin Pietersen, Marinus's sister Desiree Blankenberg,
Jeffery Blankenberg, Winston Blaauw, Johan Classen, Mario Voight,
Vincent Koen, Emmalene Marinus (married to Calvin Marinus) and
ex-policeman Andrew van der Walt.

The restraint order, sought under the Prevention of Organised Crime
Act, is the first step in a process that could ultimately force the
forfeiture of Marinus's Plattekloof home, his "Biggies Inn" shebeen in
Nooitgedacht and his properties in Macassar and Bellville. The
municipal valuation of the properties is R6m.

Altogether 11 vehicles, held or registered in the names of Marinus or
his wife Davidene, are also targeted for seizure. These include two
BMWs, a boat "with false licence plates" and a truck tractor.

The estimated value of the vehicles is R3m.

In addition, the State is seeking to keep under its control R166 500
in cash seized by police in February, a R10 000 Hugo Boss watch, a R10
000 Raymond Weil watch, R12 000 gold chain, three gold rings valued at
R11 000, three guns and gym equipment.

Seven cars held or registered in Calvyn Marinus's name, including a
Mercedes-Benz heavy-load vehicle and a BMW, have been restrained under
the order.
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