The KwaZulu-Natal businessman arrested with nearly R8-million in cash in his luggage at King Shaka International Airport may lose the money to the state.

National Director of Public Prosecutions Shaun Abrahams successfully applied for a Durban High Court preservation order for the money to remain kept by the Reserve Bank in March following its interception by customs officials in businessman Husain Farouk Motala's luggage in April last year.

The preservation order obtained by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) warns interested parties that the money is now at risk. "If you have an interest in the property, you should understand that it is now at risk. You are advised to obtain legal advice on whether your interest can be protected, and, if so, on how to protect it," reads the order dated March 30.

The notice, which was also published in the government gazette earlier this month, is addressed to "Motala and all other persons who may have an interest in the property described above".

Motala was arrested with more than R7.9-million while on his way to Dubai.

He is facing charges of failing to disclose the large amount of money before leaving the country. He is expected back at the Durban Commercial Crime Court next Wednesday, according to NPA KwaZulu-Natal spokeswoman Natasha Kara.

Kara also confirmed the preservation order was granted. Last year, the SA Revenue Service said customs officials became suspicious when five suitcases scheduled for loading on a departing Emirates flight to Dubai were being removed from the international arrivals hall. It was established that the owner of the suitcases had a problem with his passport, resulting in him and his suitcases being pulled off the flight.

Customs officials searched the luggage and discovered the suitcases were very heavy, making them suspicious of the contents. A search revealed the suitcases were stashed with envelopes containing notes totalling almost R8-million.