A scammer who defrauded individuals across the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Free State in transactions involving 19 vehicles was sentenced by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court to 15 years direct imprisonment.

The 36-year-old Michael Chikwani was recently convicted after the court heard evidence detailing how he defrauded individuals through Facebook Marketplace in transactions involving the 19 vehicles.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Chikwani targeted unsuspecting victims who advertised vehicles for sale on the social media platform in the Northern Cape, Western Cape and Free State.

After successfully arranging to view the vehicles, the accused would provide the sellers with falsified bank payment notifications, creating the impression that payment had been made.

Believing that the funds had been received, the victims released their vehicles and registration documents to the accused, who would then disappear without making any payment.

The accused subsequently sold the stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers in the Western Cape.

Conviction and sentencing

A total of 26 cases were registered against Chikwani, and he was convicted on multiple charges ranging from motor vehicle theft to contraventions of the Immigration Act.

Lieutenant Colonel Thabo Litabe, media spokesperson in the Northern Cape, said these cases were centralised in Kimberley, where Chikwani was convicted and sentenced by the Kimberley Specialised Commercial Crimes Court as follows:

counts 1–32: theft of motor vehicles – 15 years’ imprisonment;

counts 33–50: cyber fraud – 15 years’ imprisonment;

counts 51–82: money laundering – 3 years’ imprisonment;

count 83: contravention of the Identification Act – 1 year’s imprisonment; and

counts 84–85: contravention of the Immigration Act – 2 years’ imprisonment.

The court ordered that all sentences would be served simultaneously; therefore, Chikwani would effectively serve 15 years direct imprisonment.

Meticulous investigation leads to justice

The successful prosecution of the case stemmed from the meticulous investigation conducted by Warrant Officer Anthony Rheeder of the Kimberley Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit.

The Commissioner of the Frances Baard District in the Northern Cape, Major General Charlotte Makgari, welcomed the sentencing and commended Rheeder for his dedication and exceptional investigative work, which involved extensive travel, long working hours and unwavaring commitment to ensuring that justice was served.

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