Construction company distances itself from pyramid scheme scam
The JSE-listed construction group Stefanutti Stocks has distanced itself from an investment fund using the company's registration number and name trading as Royal Fund Investment in Mokopane, scheming residents out of thousands of Rand.
MOKOPANE – Willie Meyburgh, CEO of Stefanutti Stocks, said in a media statement the scheme, Royal Fund Investment, has apparently been marketing itself in both Cape Town and Mokopane and promises returns of 100% in 15 working days, for investments from as little as R200. “Stefanutti Stocks distances itself from the investment fund using its name Stefanutti Tradings t/a Royal Fund Investment.”
Stefanutti Stocks has called an investigation into the scheme that has been using its name and company registration number on its marketing brochure a ‘scam’. Meyburgh said Stefanutti Stocks recently became aware of this scam.
“Stefanutti Stocks’ name and company registration number is being illegally used. We have no knowledge, interest therein and are not affiliated to this so-called fund. Our legal advisers have been instructed to take legal action against the fraudsters, which process has commenced and is ongoing.”
Residents of Mokopane came aware that they’ve been scammed out off thousands of Rand when they wanted to collect their investment money last Thursday and found the premises locked and chained with no one in sight.
Colonel Isaac Mantjane, Station Commander of Mokopane police, went to the premises and managed to secure the scene at 77E Nelson Mandela Drive and launched a massive manhunt for unknown suspect(s) following the incident of theft by false pretense.
According to Mantjane the ‘investment business’ has been operating in the area since February 2018. “The desperate and unsuspecting clients were shocked and met with disbelief when they found all doors to the said premises locked and tightened with chains when they arrived at 08:00. The clients were supposed to be paid and invest more money but to their shock the investor had disappeared.”
The police now appeal to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspects to contact Lieutenant Colonel Moshapate Sekanka at 082 565 8505 or the crime stop number 0860010111 or the crime line SMS 32211. A police investigation is underway.
redaksie.bosvelder@nmgroup.co.za
