POTCHEFSTROOM – A 28-year-old man has been arrested and charged with fraud and theft of a motor vehicle following an alleged vehicle finance fraud incident in Klerksdorp.
It is alleged that the suspect applied for vehicle finance for a 2024 Ford Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo Wildtrak 4×4 Double Cab at one of the local car dealerships in Klerksdorp. The vehicle was subsequently financed by a bank.
After all the necessary paperwork had been completed, the suspect allegedly took possession of the vehicle and failed to make the required monthly instalment payments.
The bank that financed the vehicle subsequently opened a criminal case against the suspect. The vehicle was later traced to Zimbabwe but was not recovered.
The suspect, Thabang Emmanuel Mokoena (28), was arrested on Monday, 17 August 2026 in Klerksdorp after contacting the investigating officer and he was charged with fraud and theft of a motor vehicle.
Mokoena appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 18 August 2026. The matter was postponed to Wednesday, 26 August 2026, for a formal bail application. The accused remains in custody.
North West Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Adams, commended the good collaboration between the South African Police Service, the financial institution and the motor vehicle dealership in ensuring that the matter was reported, investigated and that the suspect was brought before the courts. He said this arrest demonstrates the commitment of the South African Police Service in the North West to investigate and combat fraud and vehicle related crimes. He reiterated that police will continue working closely with financial institutions, motor vehicle dealerships and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that suspects involved in such crimes are brought before the courts to face the full might of the law.