Fraudulent Ford Ranger purchase: Man gets bail after using fake documents to buy R760,000 car
Richard Vincent Zitha, 40, has been granted R15,000 bail after allegedly using forged job documents to secure finance for a Ford Ranger worth over R760,000
Image: Supplied
A 40-year-old man accused of defrauding Ford Finance Service of more than R760,000 has been granted R15,000 bail by the Klerksdorp Magistrate’s Court.
Richard Vincent Zitha allegedly pretended to be employed by Apex Edge Construction (Pty) Ltd when he applied for vehicle finance to purchase a Ford Ranger double cab, worth R760,177, in November last year.
According to Sivenathi Gunya, North West spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Zitha allegedly forged an employment contract and submitted fake documents to support his application.
Zitha's application was approved, and he signed an online contract with a Ford dealership on 15 November 2024.
The alleged fraudulent contract stated that Zitha was employed as a manager at Apex Edge Construction from 1 November 2024 — claims the State says were false and intended to mislead Ford Finance.
Zitha faces one count of fraud. His case has been postponed to 19 November 2025, when he will make his first appearance in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Klerksdorp.
As part of his bail conditions, Zitha must report to the Tembisa police station three times a week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays — between 6 am and 6 pm. He is also prohibited from contacting witnesses or changing his address without notifying the investigating officer.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions in the North West, Dr Rachel Makhari, welcomed the swift arrest and Zitha's court appearance.
She commended the “collaborative efforts of the NPA and law enforcement stakeholders” that made it possible.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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