On Tuesday, 26 May 2026, the Hawks members from Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation served summons to a 34-year-old suspect to appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court on 10 June 2026 for alleged fraud.
It is alleged that on 1 June 2023, the suspect contacted a sales representative at Land Rover Hillcrest to purchase a new Range Rover Sports valued at R3 290 361.00 proposing a cash transaction. The sales representative prepared the purchase documents and forwarded it to the suspect along with the banking details for SMG. The following day the suspect submitted a fraudulent proof of payment from Investec Bank claiming the transfer was instantaneous and requesting immediate delivery of the vehicle.
The sales representative advised that the vehicle would only be released once the funds were confirmed in SMG account. Over the subsequent days no payment was reflected and the suspect ceased responding to communication attempts. Upon verification with Investec Bank the proof of payment was confirmed as fraudulent. The potential financial loss to the company is estimated at R3 290 361 00.
A case of fraud was subsequently reported at Hillcrest Police Station and was then referred to the Hawks for further investigation. Following a thorough investigation the suspect was served with a summons on 26 May 2026.
The KwaZulu-Natal Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation Acting Provincial Head, Brigadier Zenobia Mulligan commended the members for the good work.