Alleged fraudster accused of duping more people

A MAN who, while out on bail on fraud charges, allegedly duped people into advancing him money, was refused bail by the Goodwood District Court yesterday.

Abri Gert Kruger, 35, of no fixed abode, is charged with fraud involving R1.6 million, forgery, and uttering (presentation) of forged documents.

He allegedly duped his victims by claimed he was waiting for a large sum to be transferred to him from the HSBC bank in the UK.

He appeared before magistrate Sean Lea who said the fact that he allegedly duped five victims into giving him money, while he was out on R10 000 bail in another fraud case, presented a risk that he would do it again.

His release on bail was therefore not in the interests of justice, Lea ruled.

Prosecutor Thersia du Toit told the court the fact that he allegedly committed fraud on such a large scale and while out on bail in another fraud case, meant that, if found guilty, he faced a minimum sentence of 15 years.

There were five different police dockets involving Kruger and she would centralise them into one case.

The current fraudhappened between October 2010 and February this year, she said.

Questioned by defence attorney Coen van Graan, Kruger declared that he would not abscond if released on bail, and that he would stay with his parents in Rustenburg.

He claimed to be a qualified medical doctor, and that he had graduated at a university in Manchester in Britain after studying for five years. He said he had registered as a doctor and had been admitted to practice by a UK medical board. But he was unable to name the board.

Asked by his lawyer if he would contact, or try to influence, any State witnesses, he replied: “Under no circumstances.”

He said he would plead not guilty at his trial, and added: “I do not think the State has a case against me, and I believe I will be found not guilty.”

Asked by Du Toit about the money he claimed to have in the HSBC bank, he replied: “I will not reply to any questions relating to this, until I have given my attorney full instructions.”

The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Johannes van Zyl, alleged that Kruger was not a medical doctor, but used the title to gain the trust of his alleged victims.

“When I started this investigation, the accused reported me to senior police officers in an attempt to thwart progress in the matter. My concern is that there is nothing to stop him from making life difficult for me again if released on bail,” he said.

Any other victims could contact Van Zyl on 021 597 1760.

Kruger will be back in court on May 4. – Sapa