A MAN who allegedly defrauded the owners of Imvubu Lodge and Richards Bay Caravan Park, launched a bail application in the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Friday, in connection with several cases of fraud allegedly committed against the South African Receiver of Revenue (SARS).
Johan Nepgen and his wife Helena, were arrested in February this year, following information received by police about their whereabouts in the Bay.
They are investigated for multiple fraud cases reported in Modimolle, Pretoria and Richards Bay.
Nepgen’s bail application in the Modimolle District Court, was refused, while Helena was released on bail on condition that she does not leave Richards Bay.
Nepgen allegedly asked an R18 000 deposit of the complainant in the Modimolle case, to install kitchen cupboards for her.
After paying the deposit into his account, Nepgen failed to deliver the installation.
He was arrested and released on bail, but fled his trial.
Nepgen appeared in the Modimolle Magistrate’s Court on 24 February, following his arrest in a luxury house in Meerensee.
Helena was arrested at court when she came to support him.
It subsequently emerged that the couple was sought on a 2009 case, investigated by the Pretoria Central police station, involving over 70 counts of fraud to the value of approximately R800 000, committed against SARS.
They however fled their trial and warrants of arrest were also issued in that case.
According to the owner of the Imvubu Lodge and Richards Bay Caravan Park, he concluded a sales agreement with a Nepgen to sell the lodge and caravan park last year, after Nepgen introduced himself as a successful business man from Gauteng.
Nepgen also took possession of four residential properties belonging to the owner and took over the day to day management of the establishment, pending the transfer of the properties.
He however remained in breach to issue bank guarantees for the purchase price.
After repossession of the properties, the family discovered that the money was never deposited into the bank accounts of the business as agreed, but was in fact channeled to Nepgen’s private account.
At the time of going to print, the judgement was still pending.
