The Hawks have arrested a 27-year-old man from Limpopo for allegedly using fraudulent documents to purchase a top-of-the-range Ford Ranger Raptor worth over R1.3 million.
The Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit, in collaboration with the Sekhukhune Tracing Team, apprehended the suspect in Groblersdal.
Authorities are withholding his name until he appears in court.
Finance Application Approved Using Fraud
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, the suspect submitted a motor vehicle finance application to WesBank in April 2023.
“He allegedly attached a forged bank statement and a fake employer payslip to support the application,” said Mmuroa.
WesBank approved the application, and the suspect was contacted by the dealership in Polokwane to collect the vehicle.
He arrived at the dealership accompanied by two other men, who are also under investigation.
Failure to Pay Raises Red Flags
After collecting the vehicle, the suspect failed to meet his monthly payment obligations. WesBank’s attempts to reach him were unsuccessful.
A forensic audit later revealed that the documentation submitted during the finance application was fraudulent.
The bank reported the matter to the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation Unit in Polokwane.
Further Investigations Lead to Arrest
In January 2024, investigators arrested a man who allegedly helped the suspect obtain and collect the vehicle.
“The investigation confirmed that the 27-year-old suspect worked with others to defraud WesBank and secure the Ford Ranger Raptor,” said Mmuroa.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Polokwane on 28 July 2025.
Hawks Welcome Progress in Fraud Cases
Limpopo Hawks provincial head, Major General Gopz Govender, welcomed the arrest and praised the ongoing efforts to combat financial crime.
How can banks and dealerships strengthen checks to prevent vehicle finance fraud using fake documents?
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