Cape Town – Police say they are investigating several cases of fraud relating to the sale of caravans by Tygerberg Caravans dealership.
This follows after more than 25 affected people filed fraud complaints against the business, with the number still growing.
It is alleged that the caravans were sold on consignment by the dealership, but the money was never paid to the owners.
In other cases, those who bought caravans from the dealership never received their caravans, or the caravans remained registered in the previous owners’ names.
One of the victims, Carl de Bruin-Fitschen, alleged the dealership had towed his caravan without his knowledge in July.
“We now know who has my caravan that is still in my name and reported stolen. My lawyers are in the process of litigating to get it back.
“The ‘new owner’ needs to open a case against Tygerberg Caravans for the cash they paid. Quite a few people are in the same situation as me and thanks to the group chat connecting people, some of us will get our caravans back, albeit legally and at unforeseen costs.”
“Several cases of fraud relating to the sale of caravans by a Brackenfell caravan dealership are under investigation by the Commercial Crime Unit of SAPS. No one has been charged or arrested as yet,” he said,
Dempster’s legal representative Andre Johnston said they awaited the outcome of the investigation.
“The police will need to thoroughly investigate the allegations specifically in relation to bank records of all suspects. There is a considerable amount of investigation outstanding given the number of criminal charges that have been laid. The matter is currently at the specialised commercial crimes division in Bellville,” he said.
The business is currently under voluntary liquidation.
Tygerberg Caravans owner Ben Barber referred questions to joint provincial liquidator Thomas van Zyl.
Van Zyl said: “We are aware of the allegations and the only comment and/or response I am able to make at this stage, is that I have been appointed as the joint provisional liquidator of the above CC.
“We are still awaiting the certificate of appointment, whereafter we will begin our investigation into all of the allegations and potential fraudulent activities.”