On Tuesday night, 15 June 2010, Pretoria magistrate's court sentenced Johan Nel to 18 months imprisonment after being arrested and convicted for defrauding an American national and supporter of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, 12 June 2010.
Evidence presented in court revealed that the accused misrepresented to the complainant that he owned a car rental service when this was not true. The complainant deposited an amount of R2 271 into the accused wife's account for hiring a vehicle to Mpumalanga province, which the accused failed to deliver.
It was also revealed in court that the accused has more than ten (10) previous convictions dating back to 1985. The majority of which are fraud and theft with the last being a conviction for fraud in Polokwane in February 2010 where he was sentenced to three years imprisonment wholly suspended for five years on condition that he does not commit the same offence during the period of suspension.
In view of him being in violation of the condition of suspension of the sentence by being convicted of the same offence, prosecutors in Polokwane will requisition him from prison so that the suspended can be effected.
The accused appeared in one of the 56 dedicated courts officially announced on 3 June 2010 by Minister Jeff Radebe, when he shared information on the state of our readiness to deal with all criminal cases relating to the 2010 FIFA World Cup soccer tournament.
This is the fifth case to be finalised so far by these courts since they started operating on 28 May 2010.
The arrest and court case finalisation follow swift action by the police who wasted no time in arresting the accused and thoroughly investigated the case that led to securing the successful conviction.
This was also due diligent work of Advocate Patrick Nkuna who ensured that state was able to put together a formidable case before court. The National Prosecuting Authority will continue to intensify the efforts of ensuring efficient administration of justice to all in a bid to ensure a successful soccer tournament.
Contact:
Mthunzi Mhaga
Cell: 072 198 6863
E-mail: mcmhaga@npa.gov.za
Source: National Prosecuting Authority
Accused sentenced for defrauding an American fan
