By REGINALD KANYANE
3 March 2025- A man (33), briefly appeared in Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court on charges of fraud. In May 2022, the accused, Minhaz Ahmed Patel allegedly went to a car dealership in Klerksdorp to apply for financing of a BMW 4 series M4 Coupe valued at R1.4 million.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson, Sivenathi Gunya, Patel allegedly submitted fraudulent documents and his motor vehicle finance was approved by the bank. Gunya said he subsequently received the vehicle, which he never made any payment for since its purchase as credit agreement states.
“As a result, the bank suffered a loss of R1.4 million. The matter was referred to the Klerksdorp based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation for further handling. Following a lengthy trace, the suspect was arrested by the police at OR Tambo International Airport, while trying to flee to his home country on 2 March 2025.
“Patel appeared before court and the matter was postponed to 13 March 2025, for formal bail application,” he said.
Meanwhile, the acting North West Head for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi and the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, lauded the investigation and prosecution team for their relentless efforts in ensuring that perpetrators face the full might of the law.
The Guardian 