Johan Buitendag (49), the owner of Bosman Droërs CC and Stetner Transport (Pty) LTD, and his alleged accomplice Jan Antonie van der Nest (56), the owner of Ruton Trade and Invest (Pty) LTD, appeared in the Rustenburg Magistrates’ Court yesterday on charges of corruption.

Kormorant reports Van Der Nest was reportedly employed by Rainbow Farms as an agricultural executive between 2019 and 2022.

“Rainbow Farms relied on outsourcing external service providers for constant supply of coal in order to ensure effective management of chicken laying and rearing operations. Reports indicated that Van Der Nest used his position to influence Rainbow Farms to secure a contract with Bosman Droërs CC for coal supply services, replacing the company previously used by his employer citing cost-effectiveness reasons. Buitendag was the co-director and his associate,” says North West Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Amogelang Malwetse.

“Reports indicate that soon after the acquisition of the contract by Bosman Droërs CC, Van Der Nest purchased a truck with two side tipper trailers and registered them under Ruton Trade and Invest (Pty) LTD, the company for which he is a sole director. The truck was rented out to Stetner Transport (Pty) LTD, the company of which Buitendag is also the sole director, and was also utilised for transporting and supplying coal to Rainbow Farms. The investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation [Unit] revealed that Van Der Nest’s company, Ruton Trade and Invest, would invoice Buitendag’s company, Stetner Transport (Pty) LTD for the usage of his truck on a monthly basis. This resulted in Stetner Transport receiving a total of 134 payments amounting to over R4.9m in the bank account belonging to Ruton Trade and Invest. This was a loss suffered by Rainbow Farms,” Malwetse explains.

Further investigation revealed that Van Der Nest also received money from Buitendag which was paid into his personal bank account.

“The duo and their companies are facing 134 charges of corruption as Van Der Nest allegedly failed to report any conflict of interest, declare any gifts to his employer or withdraw from participating in the procurement process where his associates were involved in line with Rainbow Farms policies.”

They were each released on R25 000 bail. The case was postponed to February 19 for disclosure.