Herman Moloi
Reporter
A woman from North West, Natchy Britz, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for defrauding victims of R3.7 million by falsely presenting herself as a businesswoman importing luxury vehicles from the US at attractive prices.
Britz, 29, duped her victims into believing they would receive high-end vehicles, but when deliveries failed to materialize, they demanded refunds and reported her to the authorities. Although Britz reimbursed some victims, two of them remained unpaid, resulting in the total loss of R3.7 million.
She was arrested and subsequently tried at the Brits Magistrate’s Court, where she was convicted on two counts of fraud. According to Lt-Col Tinyiko Mathebula of the North West Hawks, Britz was sentenced to 15 years on each count, but the sentences will run concurrently, meaning she will serve a total of 15 years.
The scheme involved victims paying substantial sums—one client paid over R2.9 million for a Ford Mustang and a Harley Davidson motorcycle, while another partner invested R800,000 for a shipment of luxury vehicles, including a Lamborghini, Mercedes Benz, and BMW. Britz had promised to import these vehicles over time.
Investigations revealed that Britz communicated with her victims through multiple fake email accounts, providing them with updates on their orders. As complaints grew and victims sought their refunds, she managed to repay some, leading them to drop their charges. However, she did not refund two clients, still owing them R2.9 million and R800,000, respectively.
The Hawks’ investigation culminated in Britz’s arrest and conviction. Brig Silas Munzhedzi, acting head of the North West Hawks, and Dr. Rachel Makhari, the director of public prosecutions, praised the investigation and prosecution teams for their efforts in achieving this conviction.
