GRAAFF-REINET NEWS -It is often referred that you cannot hide from the long arm of the law and Sgt Frederick MacPherson from the Murraysburg SAPS proved just that after a lengthy investigation and successful conviction of the current ANC Municipal councillor for Murraysburg, Ralph Skuza.
A fraud case was opened in July 2017 by the complainant, Neil Booysen, against Skuza. The fraudulent actions took place between June 2016 and July 2017 while Skuza was still working in Mokopane, Limpopo. The complainant wanted to buy a vehicle.
Skuza offered to help him search for a suitable vehicle as he was travelling to the Western Cape often and had good contacts for buying decent used vehicles.
The complainant deposited R85 000 into the bank account of the accused with the understanding that the accused will then deliver a vehicle. This never happened. After countless communication and excuses, the accused stopped all communication with the complainant.
After all other efforts to salvage his money from Skuza, Booysen laid the charge at the Murraysburg Police Station where Skuza resides. After an initial investigation, Skuza was arrested on 4 January 2019 by Sgt Norolela, but the matter was taken off the court roll due to an outstanding investigation.
In January 2020 the case was assigned to Sgt MacPherson who worked in close contact with the complainant. The case was put back on the court roll and transferred to the magistrate court in Beaufort West.
On 6 December the accused was found guilty and sentenced to nine months imprisonment suspended for four years on the condition that the accused is not convicted of theft or attempt thereto during the suspension period and that the accused pay the amount of R85 000 to the complainant as per payment arrangements made in court with the complainant.
There is currently another investigation of a similar nature against Skuza where the same modus operandi was used. No further comments could be given at this time.
The diligence and perseverance of Sgt MacPherson prevailed and goes to show to never underestimate the skills hiding in plain sight in our small Karoo towns.
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