Johannesburg — Two suspects are expected to appear before the Palm Ridge Commercial Crime Court on Monday, 4 May 2026, in connection with an alleged vehicle fraud scheme involving more than R900,000.
According to the South African Police Service, the pair, aged 31 and 34, were arrested on summons on Thursday, 30 April, following an investigation by the West Rand Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit.
Gauteng Hawks Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa, commended investigators for their persistence in uncovering the alleged fraud, which is believed to have taken place between 2023 and 2024.
Police allege the suspects were part of a syndicate that invoiced a bank for the purchase of vehicles through a dealership based in Roodepoort. The bank subsequently paid more than R900,000 to the dealership for a vehicle.
Authorities said a delivery receipt confirmed that the vehicle had been handed over to the dealership owner, with documentation and delivery allegedly witnessed by one of the suspects.
However, investigations by the Department of Transport revealed discrepancies in the vehicle’s registration. At the time the dealership invoiced the bank, the vehicle was reportedly still registered in another individual’s name. It was later transferred to the dealership as the owner and title holder, despite the previous owner allegedly not being paid.
The suspects are expected to face charges related to fraud. Police have not ruled out further arrests as investigations into the alleged syndicate continue.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
