GAUTENG – The Provincial Head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa is pleased with the sentence handed down to a fraudster, Tebogo Petrus Selepe (40) by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 12 May 2022.

The Soshanguve man was arrested by the Pretoria based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation after two car dealerships in Silverton lodged a criminal complaint of a man who submitted fraudulent payslips and bank statements when applying for vehicle finance in February 2019.

Further investigation revealed that Selepe was out of reach and failed to pay monthly instalments on both vehicles, a Ford Ranger and Kia Cerato worth approximately R800 000, collectively.

A warrant of arrest for Selepe’s apprehension was issued. The investigation team successfully traced and arrested Selepe in August last year at his residents.

During Selepe’s first appearance in court, the state successfully opposed his bail application and was remanded in custody awaiting trial. Last week, the court found Selepe guilty on both counts of fraud and sentenced him to 6 years direct imprisonment.

“It is through such magnitude of convictions which give the public hope and closure for the aggrieved. The accused’s prosecution is a good example for criminals out there, that crime doesn’t pay. It could be exciting when benefiting from proceeds of crime, but one day one will need to account”. Major General Kadwa added.

Source: South African Police Service