Arrest warrant issued for alleged fraudster

NELSPRUIT – A warrant of arrest has been issued for a local businessman who allegedly used the professional services of other businesses without paying. Mr Derek Poole also allegedly defrauded his business partner out of R150 000 and being paid for services he had failed to render.

Sgt Gerald Sedibe, spokesman for the provincial police, confirmed this week that a warrant had been issued. It followed a criminal investigation by the police into Poole for alleged fraud and theft under false pretences.

Mr Victor Pitchers claimed that Poole defrauded him of approximately R150 000. “We were in business together,” he said. “He invoiced me for assets he was purchasing for the business (Kruger’s Hub), but they never materialised.”

Pitchers became suspicious in July and started investigating. He claimed he discovered that the alleged 4×4, trailer and caravan allegedly purchased did not exist. He also said he was depositing cash for accommodation into what turned out to be a bank account belonging to Poole. “When I started asking questions, he became evasive,” Pitchers said. He also claimed Poole ran a variety of different companies with different names.

Another two charges were laid against Poole in Hazyview by Mss Diane Head of Hulala Lakeside Lodge and Carol van der Westhuizen of GAP Tours. According to Head, Poole booked rooms in her lodge for a visiting rugby team from the United States. She said the booking was for 42 people to stay for four nights. She also quoted Poole on providing the guests with breakfast and braai packs. However, on their arrival, there were two additional guests and their itinerary indicated that they would each take three full meals at the lodge for the duration of their stay, according to Head.

“I quoted Poole for far less, but he promised he was good for the additional money,” she said. “He was referred to me by a friend, so I trusted him, but to date he has not paid me the R39 000 he owes me.” The friend who introduced them was Ms Jenny Reid, who in turn said she had paid Poole to organise team-building exercises for staff at her company, iFacts. She said she paid him about R13 500 for team building that never happened and R9 000 to produce corporate videos which never materialised. In addition, Poole allegedly owes her R8 000 in outstanding rent. “I am really embarrassed,” she said. “It was me who introduced him to all of them.”

Van der Westhuizen is another friend who harbours no ill feelings towards Reid for introducing them. She laid charges of fraud against Poole after her company took 43 members of the rugby group on a morning safari on June 17. According to her, Poole said he would pay the estimated R25 000 for the service via an electronic funds transfer but claimed he had no cellphone reception. On August 7, he presented her with a signed credit card authorisation form which led to the complaint of fraud.

At the time of going to print, Reid also intended to lay a complaint with the police. According to Sedibe, the suspect has not yet been arrested because police are still looking for him. Poole could not be reached for comment.