Dreams of a Thailand getaway turned into a nightmare for 80 South African pensioners, including several from the Northern Cape, who were scammed out of R1.9 million in a shocking travel fraud scheme.
A TRAVEL scam promising a dream vacation to Thailand has left at least 80 South African victims, including pensioners from the Northern Cape, devastated and out of pocket.
Two women, Beneta Jansen and Prudence November, are at the centre of the scandal, facing over 80 charges of fraud after allegedly misappropriating nearly R1.9 million. The pair remain in custody after their appearance in the Somerset West Magistrate’s Court this week, with a bail hearing scheduled for December 4.
THE SCAM UNVEILED
The fraudulent scheme operated under the guise of a travel company promoting a two-week holiday in Thailand for R26,000 per person. The victims, drawn from across the country – including Gauteng, the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape – were lured by professional-looking itineraries and promises of luxury accommodations. Many trusted the scheme due to the organiser’s previous successful tours to destinations like Namibia.
Victims were led to believe their payments covered all travel and accommodation expenses. The scammers went as far as issuing detailed itineraries and claiming to book legitimate hotels in Thailand. However, as the departure date neared, concerns began to surface when travel tickets and booking references were not provided.
VOICES OF THE VICTIMS
Sharon Lategan, a 64-year-old from Strand, shared her heartbreak, saying, “We exploded with excitement when we got the itinerary in February. It all seemed so real. We Googled the hotels, and they were legitimate places. But by June, it became clear something was wrong when we kept asking for tickets and got no answers.”
Another victim, Yolanda Louw, expressed her disappointment and the emotional toll the scam has taken. “This would have been my first overseas trip. My son has been trying to cheer me up, but I feel so hurt and betrayed. We trusted these people with our dreams.”
In the Northern Cape, a couple who had eagerly booked a bus from Kimberley to Johannesburg were left stranded and heartbroken.
Percival Petersen, another victim, revealed that Jansen’s husband had presented the trip to his family, which convinced them to pay a R10,000 deposit. “We signed up eight family members. We felt assured because it seemed credible and many people we knew vouched for them.”
THE ARRESTS
The scam came to light when victims from various provinces reported the case to their local police stations. Investigations, led by the Western Cape Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit, culminated in the arrests of Jansen and November at their Strand residences on November 22. Authorities discovered that the funds had allegedly been siphoned off, with no trace of legitimate bookings or travel arrangements.
The duo now face charges of fraud, theft, and money laundering under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act.
Western Cape police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed the arrests, stating, “The suspects failed to provide a satisfactory explanation about the misappropriated funds, which led to their detention.”
CALLS FOR JUSTICE
Outside the courtroom, victim Lenet Faviers called for the accused to remain behind bars until victims are reimbursed. “This would have been my first trip with Prudence. My family is disappointed, and I will never trust travel agents again.”
Despite the mounting evidence, November maintains her innocence, stating, “Everything is with my lawyer and the police. I don’t have the money, and I’ve shown them proof. Justice will prevail.”
However, victims remain unconvinced. “We are elderly, and we cannot wait years for justice or reimbursement. This was a dream stolen from us, and they must be held accountable,” Lategan said.
WARNINGS AND THE WAY FORWARD
Authorities have urged other potential victims to come forward. As the investigation unfolds, police continue to warn the public about the rise in travel scams, emphasising the importance of verifying travel agencies before making payments.
The victims hope their ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for others. For them, justice is not just about seeing the accused behind bars – it’s about regaining their lost sense of trust and the hard-earned money stolen from them.
Their case has been remanded until December 4 for bail application and the two accused remain in custody.
