Johannesburg – The police say an arrest warrant has been issued for Francois Swart, the managing director of travel agency Priority Escapes who is accused of swindling would-be travellers out of hundreds of thousands of rand.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit on Friday said it was representing two complainants, who filed a criminal complaint against Swart at the Modimolle Police Station in August.
The pair approached the unit when they were not provided with the investigating officer’s particulars nor engaged by the investigating officer.
The unit wrote to the station commander expressing concern that a straightforward case of fraud had been referred to the Hawks for investigation.
In the letter, Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of the unit, set out the simplicity of the case.
“The suspect received full payment from the complainants for him to fulfil holiday arrangements on their behalf,” said Advocate Nel
“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.”
The unit’s clients were allegedly defrauded of over R130 000.
On Thursday, 7 December 2023, the SA Police Service (SAPS) confirmed in correspondence that a J50 warrant of arrest had been issued against Swart.
AfriForum said it understands that its clients’ case was being investigated at the station level – where it ought to be handled – and not by the Hawks.
“We are hopeful that this matter will now receive the attention it deserves and reiterate that society demands that complaints are dealt with speedily and that the principle of ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is firmly restored in the Criminal Justice System,” said Advocate Nel.
“We accept that the SAPS will not have any difficulty to arrest the suspect.”
Any person with knowledge of Swart’s whereabouts is urged to provide the details to the police or email the unit at onsvervolg@afriforum.co.za
