NELSPRUIT – A local businessman who allegedly used approximately R64 000 worth of services of two businesses in Hazyview, was arrested earlier this week. Mr Derek Poole was arrested in the Kruger National Park (KNP) on Tuesday, following an investigation for alleged fraud and theft under false pretences by police in Hazyview.
According to WO Oubaas Coetzer, spokesman for the police in Skukuza, Poole visited the park with a group of tourists on a day visitor’s pass when they received information that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. He was handed over the police in Hazyview, and he appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court the next day.
The charges were laid against Poole by Mss Diane Head of Hulala Lakeside Lodge and Carol van der Westhuizen of GAP Tours. Sgt Gerald Sedibe, spokesman for the Mpumalanga SAPS, said in September that the suspect had not been arrested despite the warrant being issued because police could not locate him.
Allegations that he had defrauded his business partner out of R150 000 are being investigated by the Nelspruit police. Mr Victor Pitchers claimed that Poole defrauded him of the money.
Coetzer said it was not clear whether Poole had visited the park as a tourist or as a tour operator.
