A year old man Peace Sibusiso Maphalu appeared in the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 May 2025 on a charge of Fraud
The accused Maphalu was granted R1000 bail.
It is alleged that on Monday, 11 November 2024, the 59-year-old victim allegedly made contact with the suspect who claimed to be a registered credit provider who offers assistance with vehicle financing through the national credit regulator.
It is alleged that the suspect had previously assisted the victim’s wife with a vehicle purchase from an auction.
The victim allegedly deposited an amount of R130 000 into the suspect’s bank account after he promised to purchase a Hyundai H1 through an auction sale.
After receiving the money, the suspect allegedly failed to purchase the vehicle for the victim. It is further alleged that he spent the R130 000 he got from the victim on his personal and travel expenses.
Lejweleputswa Policespokesperson Sergent Palesa Thabana said a case of fraud was registered in Welkom on Thursday, 9 January 2025.
After months of investigations by the Welkom Commercial Crimes Unit, the 30-year-old male accused was traced and subsequently arrested in Mofolo Central, Soweto, on Friday, 16 May 2025.
The matter was postponed to 27 June 2025 for further police investigations.