In a significant setback for the South African macadamia industry, the South African Macadamia Growers' Association (SAMAC) has been defrauded of R4 million (€200,000). This incident underscores the challenges faced in combating nut theft, a prevalent issue involving organized criminals and syndicates. SAMAC's efforts to dismantle these networks led to collaboration with individuals posing as operatives from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), who subsequently absconded with funds and equipment allocated for the investigation.
Following the discovery of the fraud, SAMAC, with the assistance of AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit, filed criminal charges against the impostors at the Nelspruit Police Station, including accusations against senior Hawks officers for their inaction.
The fraudulent operation, purportedly conducted between 2016 and 2020, involved fictitious covert operations and unjustified financial demands on SAMAC for operational and travel expenses. The deception came to light after the promised arrests by the suspects failed to materialize, prompting SAMAC to seek legal recourse.
Source: farmersweekly.co.za