Private specialist investigator Mike Bolhuis from Specialised Security Services has launched a manhunt for former Middelburg, Mpumalanga, resident Marthinus Pretorius Strydom, known as ‘Klein Boerie’, in connection with an alleged countrywide web of fraud and theft.

Various arrest warrants have been issued for Strydom’s apprehension, with active warrants for his arrest in Linden and Redelinghuys in the Western Cape.

Johan Prinsloo from Specialised Security Services told the Middelburg Observer that Strydom approached his victims with promises of diesel at discount prices.

He would allegedly invoice the client and demand payment before delivery, with Strydom allegedly pocketing the money without delivering the fuel.

In Middelburg, Strydom allegedly approached the family of Alec Politis, the late owner of Rembrandt Café, following his January 2021 passing, with an offer to buy the café.

Strydom allegedly sold everything in the café, while still accepting deliveries like milk from Clover without settling the accounts.

Until now, the Politis family has allegedly not received a cent from Strydom, while they also had to settle supplier accounts allegedly racked up by Strydom.

“He destroyed what Politis built up in 37 years within five weeks,” a family member told the Middelburg Observer.

Strydom faces charges in Limpopo, North West, Mpumalanga, the Free State and the Western Cape.

Anyone with information about Strydom’s whereabouts is urged to contact Specialised Security Services on 072 869 2504.