Fabian Lester Sitzer (42) appeared in court on Monday (13 March) after being arrested in Mbekweni on two charges related to fraud in a CCMA lawsuit dating back to November 2022, and allegedly worth R900 000.
According to Mbekweni police spokesperson WO Nceba Vanqa, he was arrested on charges of fraud and for falsely practising as a lawyer.
“Eighteen workers of Rhodes Foods lost their jobs and were referred to Sitzer for help on their recent retrenchment.
“They approached him and he agreed to assist them and billed them as complainants at R1 000 per person for consultation fees.”
Vanqa said Sitzer allegedly informed them they had eventually won their case at CCMA and would collectively receive R900 000.
“He soon started going around and avoiding them regarding these payouts, and this is when they became suspicious and requested that the police investigate their situation.”
Following an investigation it was confirmed Fabian Lester Sitzer was not registered at the Legal Practice Council, nor was he in possession of a Fidelity Certificate.
“This means he’s forbidden to practise and bill clients for services as a lawyer,” Vanqa said.
“Rhodes Foods also confirmed they had never met Sitzer regarding any money payouts.”
The case was postponed and the suspect is due to reappear again in the Wellington court on Thursday 30 March.
