Mechanic on the run after defrauding Kempton Park customers
Verhoeven took her vehicle to the mechanic, who operated from rented properties on Elgin Road and transferred the agreed-on repair fee into his bank account.
Kempton Park resident Marilize Verhoeven has been left out of pocket after being scammed of R25 000 by a mechanic who has since disappeared.
Verhoeven took her vehicle to the mechanic, who operated from rented properties on Elgin Road and transferred the agreed-on repair fee into his bank account.
However, by the end of July 2022, the mechanic vanished without working on her car.
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“He told me he wouldn’t start repairs until I sent him the money, so I made the payment,” Verhoeven explained.
In pursuit of justice, Verhoeven opened a case at Norkem Park SAPS, only to discover that she was not the only victim.
Multiple fraud charges have been laid against the same suspect, and police are actively searching for him.
One of his former employees, Matthew Muskwe, expressed his shock and disappointment.
“I worked with him for about six years and trusted him. I don’t know what got into his mind to do something so terrible to his customers,” said Muskwe.
According to SAPS, the suspect is a white male in his early 40s, approximately 1.7m tall.
He is facing multiple fraud charges.
Verhoeven attempted to contact the suspect’s father, who also resides in Kempton Park, but was informed that he had no knowledge of his son’s whereabouts.
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“This has left me emotionally drained. I just want my money back and for justice to be served,” she said.
The suspect’s name cannot be revealed as he has yet to appear in court.
Kempton Express attempted to contact the mechanic multiple times on March 5 and again on March 7, but while the calls went through, they were not answered.
Anyone who may have fallen victim to this scam is urged to contact Norkem Park SAPS on 079 675 6803.
