Fraud Accused Pair Arrested in Western Cape
Last week, the Hawks in the Western Cape arrested Frederik Enslin and Stephanie Olivier on charges of fraud. The pair are accused of operating a fake legal practice and defrauding a Canadian mining client of millions of rands. They appeared in the Olifantshoek Magistrate’s Court and their bail hearing is scheduled for 22 April. While Enslin’s case dates back nearly a decade, Olivier is facing additional charges linked to fugitive preacher Shepherd Bushiri.
Enslin’s Alleged Deception
In 2015, Enslin allegedly posed as a legitimate businessman and engaged in a fraudulent coal transaction with a Canadian company. Forensic investigator Chad Thomas revealed that the deal was a sham, with no actual coal involved. The matter went to the High Court in Pretoria, where the firm was awarded nearly R19 million in today’s currency.
Enslin’s Resurfacing and Legal Scams
After disappearing, Enslin reappeared in Langebaan, where he launched a plumbing business before transitioning to a security company and eventually a law firm. He claimed to hold multiple law degrees and presented himself as one of the world’s finest litigators, despite lacking the necessary qualifications. One of his elaborate scams involved setting up a fake courtroom in his office during the Covid pandemic.
Thomas, who investigated Enslin, reported the fraudulent activities to the authorities. Other legal professionals in different regions also opened cases against Enslin for his fake legal practice. Thomas is currently investigating another scam involving Dean Visagie, who deceived investors with false promises of environmental innovation and financial rewards.
Visagie’s Deception and Ongoing Investigation
Visagie, posing as a genius with multiple degrees and military experience, convinced investors to invest in a non-existent technology company. Despite a previous conviction for fraud and money laundering, he continued to deceive people and evade justice. Thomas is leading the investigation into Visagie’s fraudulent activities, with new criminal charges being filed against him.
The victims of these scams suffered significant financial losses, and the full extent of the damages is still being determined. Both Enslin and Visagie have been exposed for fabricating their credentials and deceiving innocent individuals for personal gain.
