MOKOPANE – According to Louis Janssens, Manager of Rainbow Butchery, he did not suspect any foul play when he received an email from Red Cross Branch 3 requesting a quote in early November.
“After I sent the quote, a man who identified himself as Frank called me back and said they are planning a function for the opening of the Mahwelereng Branch. He gave the correct details of the Red Cross which I even verified on the internet. They did an electronic transfer and sent the proof of payment through. The proof of payment looked authentic and I still did not suspect any foul play.”
According to Janssens, they made two purchases, the first to the value of R13 000 and the second to the value of R17 000.
Janssens said when the suspect came to load the meat on Friday, 3 November, he noticed a vehicle with a GP registration and felt something was suspicious so he took a photo of the registration. “I phoned the mobile number the next morning and it was off. When the money did not reflect in the account on Monday, I realised we were scammed and immediately contacted the bank and they confirmed there was no payment received.”
According to Janssens, he contacted SARCS and the Provincial Manager, George Mamabolo, informed him the same modus operandi was used in Polokwane. Mamabolo confirmed the scam had been brought to their attention. “There is an unknown individual around Limpopo fraudulently using the name of SARCS to secure goods from different wholesalers and retailers. We would like to state this individual has no association with SARCS.”
Mamabolo said transactions and authorities must be approved by him and if not, the delivery or procurement of any goods shouldn’t be approve. “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this scam.”
A case of fraud had been opened with police and investigations are ongoing.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
