An elderly Sydenham woman who was defrauded of R200 000 in a recycling business scam has managed to receive a large percentage of her money back.
Elizabeth Stierli expressed her gratitude to an Orange Grove-based private investigations company, IRS Forensic Investigations which helped her recover the money.
In the article, ‘Cops drag their feet’, North Eastern Tribune week ending 21 March, Stierli who was not identified at the time, said she opted to use private investigators because the police failed to investigate adequately.
The businesswoman was lured into investing her money in a proposed business expansion that would see her owning a 50 percent share which included numerous retail stores.
She said after two alleged conmen failed to convince her to invest in the business, their lawyer eventually managed to get her on board.
She added that she withdrew the money from her bond. When she realised she had been scammed, the men avoided her calls. When she did manage to contact them they promised to pay her back but never did.
Stierli said she eventually laid charges against the two men at Norwood Police Station. She alleged that the police dragged their feet and the investigating officer referred her to a private investigator. The station’s commander, Colonel Zoleka Khuboni said police were not allowed to refer complainants to private investigators.
Stierli said, “I am a little relieved because I thought I would never get my money back.”
The company’s chairperson Chad Thomas thanked his team members for their work in the case.
“We’re committed to fighting fraud and corruption on a national level, but we will always find the time to assist those who are affected in our community,” said Thomas.
