THE Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) has served a summons on a 34-year-old suspect accused of fraud involving a luxury vehicle deal valued at more than R3.29 million.
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THE Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (HAWKS) has served a summons on a 34-year-old suspect accused of fraud involving a luxury vehicle deal valued at more than R3.29 million.
HAWKS spokesperson Warrant Officer Sibu Ncane said the suspect was served by members of the Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, and is expected to appear before the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on June 10, 2026.
It is alleged that the incident dates back to June 1, 2023, when the suspect contacted a sales representative at Land Rover Hillcrest to purchase a new Range Rover Sport valued at R3 290 361.00, offering to complete the transaction in cash, IOL reported.
“The sales representative prepared the purchase documents and forwarded it to the suspect along with the banking details for SMG,” Ncane said.
However, the situation allegedly escalated the following day when, according to the Hawks, “the suspect submitted a fraudulent proof of payment from Investec Bank claiming the transfer was instantaneous and requesting immediate delivery of the vehicle.”
Authorities say the dealership insisted on verification before releasing the vehicle.
“The sales representative advised that the vehicle would only be released once the funds were confirmed in SMG account,” Ncane said.
Over the following days, no payment reflected, and communication from the suspect reportedly ceased.
“Upon verification with Investec Bank the proof of payment was confirmed as fraudulent,” Ncane confirmed.
The alleged fraud exposed the dealership to a potential loss estimated at *R3 290 361.00*, prompting a formal complaint at Hillcrest Police Station, which was later escalated to the Hawks for investigation.
After what authorities describe as a “thorough investigation,” the suspect was formally served with a summons this week.
KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan, commended the investigating team for their work in advancing the case.
The suspect is expected to appear in court next month as the matter proceeds through the criminal justice system.