Alleged fraudster spent six months in New Zealand prison
According to the NPA, Mr Derek Poole served six months in prison after various cases of fraud were investigated against him.
NELSPRUIT – The man who faces two charges of corruption against him in the Lowveld, had previously served time in prison – in New Zealand.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mr Derek Poole served six months in prison after various cases of fraud were investigated against him in Auckland. Poole was granted bail of R5 000 in the White River Magistrate’s Court on November 4, where he appeared on charges of fraud after he was arrested in the Kruger National Park on October 29.
He was granted bail of R2 000 in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court the following day, after being rearrested on charges of fraud and assault.
The assault charge was laid by Mr Louis-John Havemann after Poole allegedly hit him in April during an argument over money Poole owed Havemann in unpaid rent. The fraud charges in Nelspruit are related to complaints levelled against Poole by Mr Victor Pitchers who claimed Poole allegedly defrauded him of approximately R150 000 through a business, Kurger’s Hub, which they ran together.
The charges in Hazyview are related to complaints laid by Ms Carol van der Westuizen of GAP Tours who claimed that Poole owed her about R25 000 after she took a tour group of his on safari and was never paid for the service.
Poole also face charges in Midrand, Gauteng. He was released on R5 000 bail on October 23. He will next appear in court in Midrand on November 25, in Hazyview on November 28, and in Nelspruit on December 5.
