| 2025/01/21 |
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Joint Media Statement NORTH WEST – Johan Buitendag (49), his companies namely Bosman Droeers CC and Stetner Transport (Pty) LTD together with his accomplice Jan Antonie Van Der Nest (56) and his company, Ruton Trade and Invest (Pty) LTD have on Tuesday, 21 January 2025, appeared before the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court on charges of Corruption. Van Der Nest was reportedly employed by Rainbow Farms as Agricultural Executive between 2019 and 2022. Rainbow Farms relied on outsourcing external service providers for constant supply of coal in order to ensure effective management of chicken laying and rearing operations. Reports indicated that Van Der Nest used his position to influence Rainbow Farms to secure a contract with Bosman Droeers CC, for which the Co-Director is his associate, Johan Buitendag for coal supply services, replacing the company previously used by his employer citing cost effectiveness reasons. Reports further indicated that soon after acquisition of the contract by Bosman Droeers CC, Van Der Nest purchased a truck with two side tipper trailers and registered them under Ruton Trade and Invest (Pty) LTD, the company for which he is a sole director. The said truck was rented out to Stetner Transport (Pty) LTD, the company for which Johan Buitendag is also the sole Director, and was also utilized for transporting and supplying coal to Rainbow Farms. Investigation by the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation revealed that Van Der Nest’s company, Ruton Trade and Invest would invoice Buitendag’s company, Stetner Transport (Pty) LTD for the usage of his truck on a monthly basis. This resulted in Stetner Transport effecting a total of 134 payments amounting to over R4.9 million into the bank account belonging to Ruton Trade and Invest, which is therefore a loss suffered by Rainbow Farms. Probe into the matter revealed that in addition, Van Der Nest received gratification from Buitendag which was paid into his personal bank account. The duo together with their companies are facing 134 charges of Corruption as Van Der Nest allegedly failed to report any conflict of interest, declare any gifts to his employer nor withdrawing from participating in the procurement process where his associates are involved in line with Rainbow Farms policies. They appeared before Court and were each released on R25 000-00 bail. The matter was postponed to 19 February 2025 for disclosure. The North West Acting Provincial Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their commitment in rooting out corruption and ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law. Ends
Enquiries:
Sivenyathi Gunya
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