WESTERN CAPE – 34 years old Gerhard Niewoudt Olivier’s flight from the Serious Commercial Crime Investigation has come to an abrupt end when he was arrested this morning in Cape Town for fraud and has subsequently appeared in the Malmesbury District court today.
Olivier is alleged to have siphoned almost R18.4 million from unsuspecting victims in a farm investment scheme as far back as 2010. He allegedly swindled various potential investors to purchase farm equipment and feed in return for a fee. He is also accused of deceiving members of a farming co-operation by falsely representing himself as a wealthy farm owner and promising to provide them with farming resources.
Olivier appeared in court and was granted R50 000 with stringent bail conditions. The case has been postponed to 09 April 2020 when he will be appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. Any victims who might not have registered a case are asked to come forward. They can contact the Investigating Officers, Colonel Schiltz on 082 471 6756 or Warrant Officer Wynand Olivier on 071 481 3326.
