AFTER nearly a decade of eluding the strong arm of justice, notorious fraud suspect Johan Nepgen has been apprehended, denied bail and put behind bars at the Qalakabusha Correctional Centre outside Empangeni.
Nepgen was arrested by Richards Bay SAPS a month ago for allegedly defrauding the owners of Imvubu Lodge and Caravan Park of more than R2-million.
His wife Lenie was also arrested as co-conspiring, but was granted bail last week.
In September 2015, Imvubu owners Tienie Ferreira and Ina-Marie Garcia concluded a sales agreement with Nepgen, who introduced himself as Johan Nepgen of the Batho Pele Trust.
He was given permission to take over the day-to-day management of the popular establishment pending the transfer of the properties, but after months of failing to issue bank guarantees for the purchase price, Ferreira and Garcia were forced to take over the management of Imvubu.
It was then that they discovered significant unauthorised spending from their business account and found that money from bookings during the peak holiday season was deposited into Nepgen’s private bank account.
‘It is a huge relief that he is currently removed from society and no one else can become victim to his fraudulent actions,’ said Ina-Marie.
‘Our staff, suppliers and clients can now rest assured that the sale to Nepgen will never take place.
He must not get the opportunity to do this to another person.
‘Refusal to grant bail to Nepgen is indicative of progress in the criminal justice system.
‘And it is a blessing that the investigating officer and state prosecutors made time to get this matter to court.
‘I would like to thank Captain Gambu at Richards Bay SAPS for his excellent work on this case and for never giving up.’
History of crime
A warrant of arrest was authorised and executed by Modimolle police for Nepgen on grounds that he skipped bail in 2008 in a fraud matter at the Modemolle Magistrate’s Court.
It was only when the ZO published the Imvubu owners’ dilemma last year that police located the suspect in uMhlathuze.
Richards Bay detectives apprehended him at a luxury hide-out in Richards Bay in February last year.
It is believed that Nepgen had entered into an agreement with the complainant in the Modemolle fraud matter, which no longer appears to be a pending case.
The South African Revenue Services had opened a case of tax evasion, for which Nepgen was released on bail under strict conditions.
He was ordered to wear an ankle monitor while the SARS investigation continues.
Fresh future
Ferreira said they had to start from scratch to return their lodge to its former glory, but it is now ‘back on track as a choice destination’.
‘We have appointed Erica Bates, former divisional manager for SA Express, to continue ensuring our local market is being looked after and that Imvubu adds value to our tourism sector.
‘We believe in helping staff members grow and offering opportunities such as education, training and team-building for visitors such as school groups and businesses.
‘Our restaurant is also currently being renovated to be relaunched at the end of this month.’
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