Polokwane – A second person has been detained in relation to a fraud case connected to a PHD Health Market franchise in Limpopo.
As per Colonel Avele Fumba, spokesperson for the Limpopo Hawks, Pieter Antonio Dupper was arrested on charges of defrauding a pensioner in Limpopo of more than R600,000 through a PHD Health Market franchise scheme.
Dupper appeared at the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court, where bail was set at R10,000.
Colonel Fumba revealed that ongoing investigations led to the arrest of a 47-year-old suspect, whose name will remain confidential until their court appearance.
It has been reported that the complainant invested R378,000 after responding to a franchise advertisement.
Following this, the pensioner spent about R228,000 on equipment after being instructed to convert her garage into business premises.
Regrettably, the equipment was never delivered, and further communications ceased entirely.
Moreover, the business has halted operations at its registered location.
On 25 June 2026, the Hawks issued a J175 criminal summons to the 47-year-old suspect.
He is expected to appear in the Polokwane Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 8 July 2026, alongside his co-accused, Dupper.
Limpopo Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Advocate Gopz Govender, commended the investigative team and urged the public to meticulously verify investment opportunities before investing any money.
