16 March 2007
The South African Police Service (SAPS) investigations into the alleged
Merces Cura pyramid scheme are at an advanced stage. There are however ± 300
victims that still have to make contact with the police.
The Merces Cura scheme was established during 2001. The director of the
scheme was Mr Johan Booysen. The offices of Merces Cura were based in Springs
but they had agents all over South Africa. The scheme targeted mostly persons
who were retired and thus had vast quantities of money to invest. They duped
the investors into believing that their scheme was paying more interest than
the banks.
Merces Cura was ultimately liquidated in 2003, but by then it had defrauded
too many people already. Some of the victims of the scheme are yet to make
contact with the investigating officers from the Serious Economic Offences
Unit. It is estimated that some victims have lost in excess of R100 000.00
each.
Superintendent P J du Plessis
Tel: (012) 336 0790
Cell: 082 778 4321
Captain F F Rangwashe
Tel: (012) 336 0795
Cell: 082 418 9060
Inspector M B Mokoena
Tel: (012) 336 0775
Cell: 082 415 5898
The SAPS is hereby appealing to the victims and the general public to assist
us with any information that may lead to the successful prosecution and
conviction of the offenders. Let us fight this scourge together.
Enquiries:
Superintendent Ronnie Naidoo
Communication and Liaison Services
Tel: (012) 393 5506
Fax: (012) 393 5525/27
Cell: 082 778 4311
E-mail: mediarelations@saps.org.za
Issued by: South African Police Service
16 March 2007
