3 held in R25m trucking 'scam'
2006-08-29 20:23
Krugersdorp - Two men and a woman appeared briefly in Krugersdorp magistrate's court on Tuesday on charges of fraud involving about R25m, said the national prosecuting authority.
Anton de Bruyn, his wife, Debra, and Mynderd Jacobus Hendrickz were arrested in the Randfontein area earlier on Tuesday, said NPA spokesperson Makhosini Nkosi.
The three were arrested on charges of fraud, theft and violating the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and the Companies Act, he said.
The woman was released on R10 000 bail while the two men's application was expected to be heard on Wednesday.
The three were suspected of conducting a fraudulent scheme targeting the trucking industry.
Nkosi said: "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).
'Offered help in buying trucks'
He said victims called the number given in advertisements and spoke to one of the suspects who confirmed the business opportunity and asked them to visit SHL premises.
The woman allegedly made appointments for the victims to meet with another suspect, said to be the marketing manager.
Nkosi said the 'marketing manager' apparently said SHL helped prospective transport contractors to buy trucks, and that the company arranged financing for this.
They apparently were told that if a prospective contractor found a suitable truck and trailer for under R500 000, SHL would then help in financing the truck.
Pay R51 000 deposit
Nkosi said victims alleged that SHL guaranteed a minimum of 14 000km a month at an extremely 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