Two women appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court in connection with a R15-million allegedly fraudulent vehicle-purchasing scheme.
A R15-million allegedly fraudulent vehicle-purchasing scheme had a sequel in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on Thursday when two women appeared in connection with charges of fraud and theft.
Rhoda Venter, 45, and Lorraine Palmer, 42, were released on bail of R20 000 each, on condition they remain in the Durban and Pinetown area. No evidence was led and the hearing was postponed to November 21.
Bruce Morrison SC, senior prosecutor for the Scorpions, said the charges related to 4x4s being offered at a special price (paid upfront) to employees of a retail group.
Morrison said the Scorpions’ investigations, which began in May, found that new Mitsubishi Pajeros were being offered for about half of their retail price, of between R160 000 and R300 000.
The Scorpions have listed 165 potential transactions at this stage, though some clients purchased more than one vehicle. “Only a few customers actually received vehicles,” Morrison said.
The customers waiting for 4x4s eventually went to attorneys in Cape Town and Durban seeking civil action. The attorneys then contacted the Scorpions.
