GQEberha — Three men have appeared in Gqeberha Magistrate’s Court in connection with a multimillion-rand dairy distribution scam, allegedly defrauding customers of nearly R12 million in Cape Town, KuGompo City, and Gqeberha.
Vivian David Sass, 66, Aladin Freddie Sass, 41, and Cheslin Peter Sass, 40, face 48 counts of commercial fraud after the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested them earlier in the week. Each was released on R15,000 bail.
According to Hawks spokesperson Warrant Officer Ndiphiwe Mhlakuvana, the case stems from a 2018 distribution agreement between Coega Dairy and Universal Holdings. Under the arrangement, Universal Holdings was authorised to distribute dairy products to clients across the three cities.
Complaints emerged when customers reported paying for consignments that were never delivered. Coega Dairy conducted internal inquiries and requested proof of delivery documentation from Universal Holdings, which the company reportedly could not provide.
Investigators say the accused allegedly misappropriated the stock entrusted to them and misrepresented warehouse stock levels to conceal irregularities. The Hawks’ probe determined the actions resulted in financial losses exceeding R11.9 million for Coega Dairy.
Mhlakuvana added that the suspects allegedly sold products to customers but failed to remit payment to Coega Dairy, prompting an intensive investigation that culminated in their arrests.
The case has been postponed to March 30 for further proceedings.
