By BAKANG MOKOTO
9 November 2026 – Johannes Fortuin (67) was convicted on 58 counts of contravening the National Credit Act following an investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Calvinia, Northern Cape. Fortuin was recently sentenced in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Calvinia to a fine of R30 000 or six months imprisonment. The conviction follows a meticulous investigation conducted by Detective Warrant Officer Heinrich Matthys of the Calvinia Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit. Shemane said the investigation began on 7 March 2023, after Matthys received information alleging that Fortuin was unlawfully in possession of and using several South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) cards, CPS payment cards and bank cards belonging to other individuals.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Molefi Shemane said further investigations revealed that Fortuin allegedly operated an unlawful money withdrawal service, whereby he withdrew money on behalf of cardholders in exchange for a fee of approximately 50 cents for every rand withdrawn. Shemane said investigators also established that records of the transactions were allegedly kept in books and on computer equipment at premises in Calvinia, which operated as both a shop and a residence.
“A subsequent search of the premises led to the discovery and seizure of several SASSA cards, documents, a laptop, a printer, a filing cabinet, a card machine and other items believed to be of evidential value.
“Fortuin was subsequently arrested as the investigation progressed and was eventually convicted on all 58 counts of contravening the National Credit Act,” he said.
Shemane further said conviction highlights the importance of intelligence-driven policing, thorough investigations and the effective collection and preservation of documentary and electronic evidence in securing successful prosecutions. He added that it also reinforces the SAPS’ commitment to combating unlawful financial practices that exploit members of the public, particularly financially vulnerable individuals who depend on social assistance grants for their livelihoods.
The Namakwa District Police Commissioner, Brigadier Schalk Andrews, commended Detective Warrant Officer Matthys for his professionalism, dedication and diligence, which contributed to securing the conviction. Andrews said the conviction demonstrates the importance of holding individuals accountable for financial practices that exploit vulnerable members of society.
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