Klerksdorp: Minhaz Ahmed Patel, a 33-year-old Indian national, appeared before the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on charges of fraud on Monday, 03 March 2025. The case involves an alleged fraudulent scheme to acquire a luxury vehicle valued at R1.4 million.
According to South African Police Service, the incident dates back to May 2022, when Patel visited a car dealership in Klerksdorp to apply for financing of a BMW 4 series M4 Coupe. It is alleged that Patel submitted fraudulent documents to secure the vehicle finance, which was approved by the bank. Despite receiving the vehicle, Patel reportedly failed to make any payments as required by the credit agreement, resulting in a R1.4 million loss for the bank.
The case was handed over to the Klerksdorp-based Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit. Following an extensive search, Patel was apprehended by police at OR Tambo International Airport on 02 March 2025. He was attempting to flee to India at the time of his arrest.
Patel’s court appearance resulted in the matter being postponed to 13 March 2025 for a formal bail application. Brigadier Silas Munzhedzi, the acting Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation in North West, along with Dr. Rachel Makhari, Director of Public Prosecutions in North West, commended the investigation and prosecution teams for their persistent efforts in bringing the suspect to justice.