The vehicle used by the Sunfield Home Fortuna for the mentally and physically disabled for the transportation of their residents and staff was written off in an accident on August 6.
The home had insurance in place and is busy buying another vehicle.
This new vehicle was supposed to be collected at the weekend of November 12.
On November 10, Sunfield’s manager, Brenda Gouws, received a call from the vehicle dealership to enquire when the payment will be made.
It was then discovered that a fraudulent transaction took place, preventing the purchase of the vehicle to be finalised.
After an investigation, it became clear that the payment made its way to an account that does not belong to the dealer.
“It is unbelievable and difficult to comprehend that someone will do this. The amount in question is close to R300 000. We were completely floored when we realised the extent of the fraud,” said Gouws.
“As it is, we are already struggling to survive from month to month.”
A case of fraud has been opened at the SAPS.
If anyone wants to assist the home in any way, contact Gouws at 071 301 8300
