Man arrested for allegedly using false income documents to get R355k Mercedes - IOL

A 37-year-old suspect was arrested by the Hawks in the Western Cape on Thursday in connection with alleged vehicle finance fraud involving a Mercedes-Benz.

A 37-year-old man has been arrested in the Western Cape for allegedly using false proof of income to secure finance for a Mercedes-Benz worth more than R350,000.

The Hawks’ Bellville-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation team, assisted by the Tactical Response Team, arrested the suspect on Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Siyabulela Vukubi said the case stems from a vehicle finance application made in February 2019.

“It is alleged that during February 2019, the suspect submitted false proof of income in support of an application for vehicle finance,” Vukubi said.

The Hawks allege the application resulted in the suspect securing finance for a 2019 Mercedes-Benz 6.3 AMG, with a principal debt of R354,990.

The vehicle was subsequently delivered to the suspect.

Investigators later scrutinised the finance application and allegedly uncovered irregularities in the documentation submitted.

“After meticulous investigation, it was established that the application was fraudulent,” Vukubi said.

The Mercedes-Benz was recovered during the investigation and returned to the financial service provider.

Vukubi said the suspect is expected to make his first court appearance on Friday.

“The suspect will appear in the Goodwood Magistrates Court on 18 September 2026,” he said.