A Soshanguve man has been sentenced for 6 years for defrauding 2 car delearships in Pretoria out of more than R800,000.
Police today said Tebogo Petrus Selepe (40) was sentened by the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on 12 May 2022.
This comes after the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation based in Pretoria arrested Selepe after two car dealerships in Silverton lodged criminal complaints.
Selepe was accused of submitting fraudulent payslips and bank statements when applying for vehicle finance back in 2019.
Investigations done later revealed Selepe’s inability to pay the monthly instalments for both vehicles and he was out of reach.
He had in his possession a Ford Ranger and Kia Cerato worth R800,000 collectively.
Following a warrant of arrest issued for Selepe’s apprehension, the team leading the investigation successfully traced and arrested the fraudster at his residence in August 2021.
The State opposed his bail application during his first appearance in court, and he was detained in custody to await his trail which occurred last week.
Selepe was found guilty on both counts of fraud and was sentenced to six years direct imprisonment.
The provincial head, Major General Ebrahim Kadwa commended the justice system for instilling a sense of hope.
“It is through such magnitude of convictions which give the public hope and closure for the aggrieved,” Kadwa said, adding that Selepe’s prosecution acts as a good example for criminals.
“It could be exciting when benefiting from proceeds of crime, but one day one will need to account.”
