Hawks hunt R6 million fraudster last seen in Northern Cape

THE HAWKS are on the hunt for two convicted fraudsters, one of whom was last seen in the Northern Cape, after they failed to repay more than R6 million as ordered by the Durban Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

Detectives from the Hawks’ Durban Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit have issued an appeal to the public for information on the whereabouts of Eldorette van Wyk, 50, and Maria Elizabeth van Wyk, 81, who were both convicted of fraud in 2019.

According to authorities, the pair were sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on the condition that they repay BMG company a total of R6,018,910, which they had fraudulently obtained. However, they have since defaulted on the payment, leading to a warrant being issued for their arrest.

Investigations revealed that between August 2005 and September 2012, the accused, who were employed by Flamingo Logistics, fraudulently submitted waybills to BMG, resulting in massive financial losses for the company.

The case has now taken on a Northern Cape angle as authorities have confirmed that Maria Elizabeth van Wyk was last seen in Keimoes, near Upington.

The Hawks have called on members of the public to assist in locating the duo. Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Captain Nkosinathi Zuma from the Hawks in Durban on 071 481 3263 or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.

Authorities have warned that anyone found aiding the suspects in evading justice could also face legal consequences.