A Limpopo company director and three of his relatives have been granted bail on charges of fraud and money laundering.
The group appeared in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the matter involved the sale of fraudulent gold bars.
Luhan Holtzhausen, 26, Director of Agri IP Pty Ltd, along with his accomplices Kristi Holtzhausen, 29, Henry Hugo Holtzhausen, 55, and Janene Holtzhausen, 59, made a brief court appearance.
“The accused allegedly advertised seven 100g Perth gold bars on social media, each selling for R120,000. A male buyer purchased the bars for a total of R700,000 but later discovered they were counterfeit upon verification in Gauteng,” Ledwaba said.
After the sale and the realisation that the gold bars were fake, the buyer reached out to the seller who confirmed he would refund him.
“After the sale, the buyer sought a refund, allegedly supported by fraudulent proof of payment. Investigations traced the funds through various accounts, including those of the suspects' family members. A fraud case was opened, leading to a warrant for their arrest, which they surrendered to the police today. They also now face charges under Section 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act related to money laundering,” Ledwaba said.
The court granted the group bail.
Luhan, the director, was granted bail of R10,000 while his three co-accused were granted bail of R5,000 bail each.
The case has been postponed until January 13, 2025, for further police investigation.
IOL