Latest news with #FordRaptor
The Star
18 hours ago
- The Star
R100,000 loan haunts woman arrested by Hawks and charged with fraud
Jonisayi Maromo | Published 1 day ago The Gravelotte Magistrate's Court in Limpopo has released 42-year-old Rose Lekhanya after she was arrested on charges of fraud. Lekhanya was granted bail of R10,000, and her case was postponed to September for further police investigations. Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, Limpopo spokesperson for the Hawks, said Lekhanya was arrested by the Phalaborwa-based Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit on allegations of fraud amounting to around R100,000. 'During 2018, the suspect was working in the office of human resources executive of a mine in Gravelotte. She allegedly borrowed money from the employer under the pretense that her mother was admitted to the private hospital, and she has run out of money for payments,' said Mmuroa. Lekhanya allegedly submitted hospital documents to the employer as proof that she needed the funds. 'The mine allegedly borrowed her cash amounting to over R99 000. The suspect failed to pay back money until she resigned from the mine,' said Mmuroa. The mining later launched investigations and discovered that Lekhanya's mother was never admitted to the hospital. 'Subsequently, a case docket of fraud was opened at Gravelotte police station, and transferred to the Phalaborwa-based Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit for further handling,' said Mmuroa. The Hawks investigations established that Lekhanya had submitted fraudulent hospital documents to the mine, in a bid to get the loan. After completion of the investigations, the matter was handed to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) for decision. As a result, the NPA issued a warrant of arrest against Lekhanya. The woman was traced and arrested by the Hawks in Honeydew, Gauteng, on Thursday last week. Lekhanya appeared before the Gravelotte Magistrate's Court, where her case was postponed to 15 September. Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender welcomed Lekhanya's arrest. Govender also appealed to employers to be vigilant when dealing with external documents brought by employees. On Tuesday, IOL reported that a 27-year-old Limpopo man, Jason Khomotjo Rantho, was remanded behind bars after he was arrested by the Hawks for fraud during the purchase of a top-of-the-range Ford Raptor. Rantho initially appeared in court on Monday after he was nabbed by the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit and the Sekhukhune tracing team at Groblersdal in Limpopo. 'It is alleged that during April 2023, the accused applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued at over R1.3 million. 'The accused allegedly attached the bank statement and the employer's payslip as requested,' said Mmuroa. 'The application was processed and approved.' [email protected] IOL News
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Fraudulent purchase of R1. 3 million Ford Ranger Raptor: Limpopo man remanded behind bars
It is alleged that during April 2023, suspects including Jason Khomotjo Rantho applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank using fraudulent documents to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued over R1.3 million Image: Hawks/IOL A 27-year-old Limpopo man, Jason Khomotjo Rantho, was remanded behind bars after he was arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, for fraud during the purchase of a top-of-the-range Ford Raptor. Rantho appeared in court on Monday after he was nabbed by the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit and the Sekhukhune tracing team at Groblersdal in Limpopo. 'It is alleged that during April 2023, the accused applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued at over R1.3 million. 'The accused allegedly attached the bank statement and the employer's payslip as requested,' said Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo. 'The application was processed and approved.' The dealership then contacted the 27-year-old man and notified him that his application had been successful. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading 'He went to the dealership in Polokwane to collect the car, accompanied by two men who are also suspects,' said Mmuroa. As days went by, the 27-year-old man failed to make the monthly installments for the vehicle. The bank tried to contact him without success. 'WesBank conducted a forensic audit and noticed that the accused used fraudulent documents during his application. The matter was reported to the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation in Polokwane for assistance,' said Mmuroa. Investigations were conducted by the Hawks, which led to the arrest of the first accused person in the matter in January 2024. 'Further investigations revealed that the arrested suspect, aged 27, assisted the accused to defraud and collect the vehicle from the dealership,' said Mmuroa. It is alleged that during April 2023, suspects including Jason Khomotjo Rantho applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank using fraudulent documents to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued over R1.3 million Image: Hawks Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender has welcomed the arrest of the suspect. In 2023, IOL reported that a Limpopo woman, aged 22, was sentenced to pay R10 000 or spend two years in jail after she used fraudulent documents to buy a Hyundai Atos. At the time, Hawks in Limpopo, Lieutenant-Colonel Matimba Maluleke said the Hyundai Atos valued at over R340 000 was financed by Wesbank in 2022. 'Miranda Thandaza Lubisi was sentenced for fraud by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 12 May, 2023,' Matimba said. 'On 16 September, 2022, the accused visited a vehicle dealership in Tzaneen and showed interest in a Hyundai Atos valued at R346,122. The accused was assisted by the salesperson at the dealership to apply for vehicle finance that was later approved by Wesbank.' Maluleke said the vehicle was delivered to Lubisi. 'After a few months, the bank was audited and it was discovered that the accused used fraudulent documents to apply for vehicle finance. The case of fraud was opened at Tzaneen police station and transferred to the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit for further handling,' he said. A thorough investigation was conducted, and consequently, the accused was arrested and charged with fraud. After a few court appearances, she was granted bail until she was convicted and sentenced to pay R10,000 or two years' imprisonment,' Maluleke said. 'She was further sentenced to five years imprisonment which is suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.' IOL News
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Limpopo man purchased R1. 3 million Ford Ranger Raptor with fake payslips, and vanished
Jonisayi Maromo | Published 8 hours ago The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has arrested a 27-year-old Limpopo man for fraud after he allegedly acquired a top-of-the-range Ford Raptor fraudulently. The 27-year-old man who cannot be identified until he appears in court was nabbed by the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit and the Sekhukhune tracing team at Groblersdal in Limpopo. 'It is alleged that during April 2023, the accused applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued at over R1.3 million. 'The accused allegedly attached the bank statement and the employer's payslip as requested,' said Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo. 'The application was processed and approved.' The dealership then contacted the 27-year-old man and notified him that his application had been successful. 'He went to the dealership in Polokwane to collect the car, accompanied by two men who are also suspects,' said Mmuroa. As days went by, the 27-year-old man failed to make the monthly installments for the vehicle. The bank tried to contact him without success. 'WesBank conducted a forensic audit and noticed that the accused used fraudulent documents during his application. The matter was reported to the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation in Polokwane for assistance,' said Mmuroa. Investigations were conducted by the Hawks, which led to the arrest of the first accused person in the matter in January 2024. 'Further investigations revealed that the arrested suspect, aged 27, assisted the accused to defraud and collect the vehicle from the dealership,' said Mmuroa. 'The suspect is expected to appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, sitting in Polokwane, on 28 July 2025.' Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender has welcomed the arrest of the suspect. In 2023, IOL reported that a Limpopo woman, aged 22, was sentenced to pay R10 000 or spend two years in jail after she used fraudulent documents to buy a Hyundai Atos. At the time, Hawks in Limpopo, Lieutenant-Colonel Matimba Maluleke said the Hyundai Atos valued at over R340 000 was financed by Wesbank in 2022. 'Miranda Thandaza Lubisi was sentenced for fraud by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 12 May, 2023,' Matimba said. 'On 16 September, 2022, the accused visited a vehicle dealership in Tzaneen and showed interest in a Hyundai Atos valued at R346 122. The accused was assisted by the salesperson at the dealership to apply for vehicle finance that was later approved by Wesbank.' Maluleke said the vehicle was delivered to Lubisi. 'After a few months, the bank was audited and it was discovered that the accused used fraudulent documents to apply for vehicle finance. The case of fraud was opened at Tzaneen police station and transferred to the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit for further handling,' he said. A thorough investigation was conducted, and consequently, the accused was arrested and charged with fraud. After a few court appearances, she was granted bail until she was convicted and sentenced to pay R10 000 or two years' imprisonment,' Maluleke said. 'She was further sentenced to five years imprisonment which is suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.' [email protected] IOL News
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Limpopo man purchased R1. 3 million Ford Ranger Raptor with fake payslips, and vanished
Police said in April 2023, the accused man applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued at over R1.3 million, and his application was approved. Image: File The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, has arrested a 27-year-old Limpopo man for fraud after he allegedly acquired a top-of-the-range Ford Raptor fraudulently. The 27-year-old man who cannot be identified until he appears in court was nabbed by the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit and the Sekhukhune tracing team at Groblersdal in Limpopo. 'It is alleged that during April 2023, the accused applied for motor vehicle finance at WesBank to purchase a Ford Ranger Raptor valued at over R1.3 million. 'The accused allegedly attached the bank statement and the employer's payslip as requested,' said Warrant Officer Lethunya Mmuroa, spokesperson for the Hawks in Limpopo. 'The application was processed and approved.' The dealership then contacted the 27-year-old man and notified him that his application had been successful. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'He went to the dealership in Polokwane to collect the car, accompanied by two men who are also suspects,' said Mmuroa. As days went by, the 27-year-old man failed to make the monthly installments for the vehicle. The bank tried to contact him without success. 'WesBank conducted a forensic audit and noticed that the accused used fraudulent documents during his application. The matter was reported to the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation in Polokwane for assistance,' said Mmuroa. Investigations were conducted by the Hawks, which led to the arrest of the first accused person in the matter in January 2024. 'Further investigations revealed that the arrested suspect, aged 27, assisted the accused to defraud and collect the vehicle from the dealership,' said Mmuroa. 'The suspect is expected to appear before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, sitting in Polokwane, on 28 July 2025.' Meanwhile, provincial head of the Hawks in Limpopo, Major General Gopz Govender has welcomed the arrest of the suspect. A Limpopo woman, Thandaza Lubisi was arrested for allegedly using fake documents to get her Hyundai Atos financed by a car dealership in Tzaneen. Image: File In 2023, IOL reported that a Limpopo woman, aged 22, was sentenced to pay R10 000 or spend two years in jail after she used fraudulent documents to buy a Hyundai Atos. At the time, Hawks in Limpopo, Lieutenant-Colonel Matimba Maluleke said the Hyundai Atos valued at over R340 000 was financed by Wesbank in 2022. 'Miranda Thandaza Lubisi was sentenced for fraud by the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 12 May, 2023,' Matimba said. 'On 16 September, 2022, the accused visited a vehicle dealership in Tzaneen and showed interest in a Hyundai Atos valued at R346 122. The accused was assisted by the salesperson at the dealership to apply for vehicle finance that was later approved by Wesbank.' Maluleke said the vehicle was delivered to Lubisi. 'After a few months, the bank was audited and it was discovered that the accused used fraudulent documents to apply for vehicle finance. The case of fraud was opened at Tzaneen police station and transferred to the Hawks' serious commercial crime investigation unit for further handling,' he said. A thorough investigation was conducted, and consequently, the accused was arrested and charged with fraud. After a few court appearances, she was granted bail until she was convicted and sentenced to pay R10 000 or two years' imprisonment,' Maluleke said. 'She was further sentenced to five years imprisonment which is suspended for five years on condition that she does not commit similar offences during the suspension period.' IOL News
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ute photo highlights 'unfortunate' trend taking over Aussie roads
Photos of a large ute parked on a busy city street have highlighted the growing safety concerns these oversized vehicles pose to Aussie roads and all who use them, as sales continue to skyrocket. The Ford Raptor was spotted last Wednesday afternoon in Melbourne's CBD, and was visibly sticking out of the parking bay, with its rear tow bar jutting out onto the road and limiting access for fellow motorists trying to pass by the road. Delivery driver Matthew Kennedy told Yahoo News he visits Lonsdale Street every week for work, and said the sight of a large parked ute or 4WD taking up too much space is common. "I see this sort of thing almost every time," he claimed to Yahoo. "Usually it's a ute or a van with the tow-bar sticking out into the traffic, but I also see vehicles that have parked too far forward in these spots, forcing motorists to swerve around them." In 2000, 70 per cent of new cars sold in Australia were small passenger vehicles. However, 25 years later, the pendulum has swung the opposite way, with SUVs and light commercial vehicles making up 80 per cent of the market, according to The Conversation. This is having an increasingly damaging impact on the roads themselves, and posing safety risks when the larger of the vehicles are too big to fit in standard parking bays. Matthew is one of many Australians against the larger cars, calling them "little more than an ego trip" for the motorists who choose to drive one. One of the big incentives attracting drivers to these larger vehicles is the idea that they provide increased safety for those driving and riding in them. However, Julian O'Shea, a lecturer from Monash University specialising in sustainable transport, told Yahoo this isn't necessarily the case. "It's perceived as safer because you sit up higher," he explained. "But the taller vehicles, like large SUVs, actually are more likely to roll over than smaller vehicles, and they're certainly more dangerous for anyone they may hit." 😲 Ute driver's annoying act shows why possible new parking tax looms 😒 Truck's parking fail fuels anger among Aussies: 'We don't need them' 😟 Driver blasted for 'self-entitled' park as ute owners push for change He believes the boom in large vehicle sales has simply instigated an "arms race", with people believing they ought to get involved with the trend as more sprout up on the roads. He believes they have no place in increasingly more populated Australian cities. "It's an unfortunate trend, because there are a lot of negative effects of these vehicles. They take up more space, as you've seen, they cause more damage to roads because they're heavier, and due to the heavier mass they're also more dangerous if they strike people, particularly pedestrians and cyclists." He claims the photos in Melbourne are a clear example of the vehicles being "inappropriate for cities and really dense urban areas". Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
