Accused bogus doctor’s victims sought

VICTIMS of an alleged bogus doctor and tender scamster have been asked to come forward so their cases can be investigated.

The State made the appeal at the Durban Commercial Crimes Court yesterday, after Andile Duma, alias Jonathan Peterson, made a brief appearance yesterday.

The fraud case against the 27-year-old man was adjourned for further investigation as the State was still waiting for more of the alleged bogus doctor’s victims to come forward.

On his first appearance Duma’s case was adjourned for the State to confirm his true identity, previous convictions and pending matters.

Duma is alleged to have read about tenders and job adverts in newspapers and the internet and used this information to target business people, promising them tenders while posing as a doctor.

He is alleged not to have asked for bribes directly from his victims, but would offer to represent his victims in meetings, in exchange for them paying for his flights to Pretoria and for accommodation.

Yesterday, the State prosecu- tor, Ashika Harripasad, said Duma’s charge sheet was incomplete as the investigation was continuing.

She said more statements were needed from his alleged victims.

It was unclear how many counts of fraud he was facing.

Victims of the alleged bogus doctor are urged to contact the investigating officer, Muzi Buthelezi, on 031 327 8800.