A family from Limpopo faces money laundering charges under Section 6 of the Prevention of Organised Crime Act, No. 121 of 1998.
The Director of a company called Agri IP Pty Ltd, Luhan Holtzhausen, 26, along with his alleged accomplices Kristi Holtzhausen, 29, Henry Holtzhausen, 55, and his wife Janene, 59, appeared in the Bela Bela Magistrates court this week.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the charges relate to the sale of a gold bar that turned out to be fake.
He says the Director, Luhan Holtzhausen, was granted bail of R10 000 while his co-accused were each granted bail of R5 000.
He says they allegedly advertised seven 100g Perth gold bars on social media, each selling for R120 000.
According to police, a male buyer purchased the bars for a total of R700 000 but later discovered they were counterfeit upon verifying it in Gauteng.
Colonel Ledwaba says the buyer sought a refund after the sale, supported by fraudulent proof of payment. Investigations traced the funds through various accounts, including those of the suspects' family members.
He says a fraud case was opened, and warrants of arrest were issued.
The accused subsequently handed themselves over to police before appearing in court on 31 October 2021.
The case was postponed to 13 January 2025 for further investigation.
