Two men and a woman appeared briefly in the Krugersdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday on charges of fraud involving about R25-million, the National Prosecuting Authority said.
Anton de Bruyn, his wife Debra and Mynderd Jacobus Hendrickz were arrested in the Randfontein area earlier on Tuesday, NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi said in a statement.
The three were arrested on charges of fraud, theft and violating the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Companies Act, Nkosi said.
The woman was released on R10 000 bail while the two men’s application was expected to be heard on Wednesday.
The three are suspected of conducting a fraudulent scheme targeting the trucking industry.
”The three are alleged to be placing advertisements in the media, claiming an excellent business opportunity in long-distance transport, and also promising finance for the purchase of trucks.
”Some of the alleged victims told investigators that the suspects used a variety of names for their businesses, chief amongst these being Springbok Haulage and Logistics (SHL).
”The alleged victims called the number given in advertisements and spoke to one of the suspects who confirmed the business opportunity and requested them to visit SHL premises,” Nkosi said.
The woman allegedly made appointments for the victims to meet with another suspect, who was said to be the marketing manager.
”The ‘marketing manager’ allegedly told victims that SHL assisted prospective transport contractors in purchasing trucks, and that the company arranged financing for the said trucks.
”They were told that if a prospective contractor found a suitable truck and trailer for under R500 000, SHL would then assist in financing the truck.”
Nkosi said victims alleged that SHL guaranteed a minimum of 14 000km per month at a very profitable rate and that SHL would also supply fuel and toll cards.
”A truck would be ready to start operating within two weeks after payment of a deposit of R51 000, they were allegedly told.”
After paying the deposit they received neither the trucks, the contracts nor their money back as a result of SHL’s non-performance, he said. — Sapa