Police are on the hunt for a 39-year-old travel agency owner and businessman accused of defrauding holiday companies in Limpopo of more than R130,000.
Used Joburg-based travel agency
Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said police are seeking information about the whereabouts of alleged holiday swindler Francois Swart. His travel agency, Priority Escapes, is accused of defrauding holiday companies in Modimolle of thousands of rands. The company is based in Fourways, north of Johannesburg.
Arrest warrant issued
Mashaba said police have since issued an arrest warrant for Swart, who is managing director of Priority Escapes. Mashaba said Swart is alleged to have defrauded many would-be holidaymakers of hundreds of thousands of rands.
He said a case of fraud has been opened against Swart at the Modimolle Police Station in Limpopo.
“According to the information available at this stage, a case of fraud was opened at the Modimolle Police Station in August. The complainant alleged two companies were defrauded of more than R130,000 by Priority Escapes.
Suspect received R130k
“The suspect allegedly received full payment from the complainants for him to fulfil holiday arrangements on their behalf.
“The misrepresentation was furthered when the suspect issued documents purporting that the holiday was arranged and paid in full. It has since been confirmed that the documents the complainants received are false,” said Mashaba.
Commercial crimes on the increase
According to the latest police crime statistics nationally for the second quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year (July to September), commercial crimes (fraud, scams, corruption) recorded a 3,8% increase compared to the same period last year in 2022.
The latest police crime statistics for Limpopo, for the second quarter of the 2023-2024 financial year (July to September), commercial crimes (fraud, scams, corruption) recorded a 16,9% increase (1733 cases) compared to the same period last year in 2022.
Public urged to assist in arrest
Mashaba said police investigations are still continuing.
He said police are appealing to any person with knowledge of Swart’s whereabouts to provide the details to the police by contacting the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Gawie Greef on 0825657800 or Crime Stop number 08600-10111 or the nearest Police Station, or use MySAPS app.
