Hawks nab fugitive legal eagle

Convicted 55-year-old fraudster Jacques Thomas du Preez started his five-year jail term on Friday following his arrest by the Hawks in Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape on the same day.

Du Preez was sentenced in the George Magistrate’s Court in November 2015 for fraud and theft.

This was after he had swindled a client out of about R900 000, deposited into Du Preez’s law firm’s trust account, Western Cape Hawks spokesperson Captain Lloyd Ramovha said on Saturday.

“He subsequently appealed the sentence and was out on bail pending the outcome of his appeal,” Ramovha said.

“In November 2016, his appeal was unsuccessful. He was ordered, through his attorney, to report to a correctional facility.”

But Du Preez failed to adhere to the order and a warrant of arrest was issued. He was sought, culminating in his capture on Friday by the elite unit.

“It is also alleged that while awaiting the court’s decision on his appeal, the accused coaxed R5 donations from his Facebook followers and locals under the guise of it being to pay for a needy client’s legal fees,” Ramovha said.

“But this separate matter is still being probed.”

Western Cape Hawks head General Nombuso Khoza was pleased that justice had been served.

“We are committed to rooting out rogue elements,” Khoza said. – ANA

In November 2016, his appeal was unsuccessful. He was ordered, through his attorney, to report to a correctional facility. But Du Preez failed to adhere to the order. Captain Lloyd Ramovha Western Cape Hawks spokesperson