PROJECT: PUBLIC WARNING AND JOINT CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED LEXUS CONVERSION FRAUD AND THEFT BY GEARBOX & TURBOS AND ASSOCIATES
- Isabel Spies
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
PLEASE SHARE THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT
This project combines the findings from two specific investigations into alleged serious economic fraud and
inadequate service delivery perpetrated by individuals operating motor workshops in Pretoria.
The objective of this project is to consolidate all similar cases for joint criminal action,
to identify the suspects' assets, and to expose their activities to warn others publicly.
KEY SUSPECTS AND ENTITIES:
The scheme is allegedly operated by a network linked primarily through the Putter and Van Wyk family networks.
Mr. Paul Putter:
The owner and primary suspect is Paul Andries Jacobus Putter, who is 33 years old and allegedly uses the alias Roux.
He is known for making promises, delaying work, and allegedly lying to clients.
Mrs. Nita Van Wyk:
Mrs. Wanita Vallerrie Van Wyk (maiden name Zovitzkey) is thought to be Paul Putter's wife and operates in the office, handling initial quotations and payments.
Mr. Donovan Van Wyk:
Mr. Donovan Leon Van Wyk is a linked individual to whom payments were sometimes directed.
He is listed as an employee at "FIXIT AUTO".
Other Associates:
Mikayla/Kayla, alleged daughter of Paul and Nita, manages WhatsApp communication.
Mr. Wesley Roux is thought to be Paul’s brother or nephew.
BUSINESS OPERATION AND LOCATION:
The business operates under multiple names and aliases, making legal action difficult due to its unregistered status.
PRIMARY NAMES:
Gearbox and Turbo Workshop, Gearbox-Diffs-Turbo's, or Gearbox & Turbo's.
ALIASES USED:
"Fix-It Auto Gearboxes and Differentials," "Johan Workshops," or "Johan Workshops" (Note: "Johan Workshops" is listed twice - kept for fidelity).
BUSINESS ADDRESS:
The primary location is 765 Steve Biko Street, Wonderboom South/Gezina, Pretoria, Gauteng.
MOBILE NUMBERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BUSINESS:
+27 81 875 1654, +27 69 196 1977 and + 27 69 149 4945
CURRENT STATUS:
Recently, the shop removed its name and numbers from the windows, and the windows were darkened.
COMBINED MODUS OPERANDI ( PATTERN OF DECEPTION):
The investigations confirm a clear pattern of fraudulent behaviour.
THE PROMISE:
Clients were quoted substantial amounts for Lexus V8 engine conversions (such as the 1UZ VVTi or 3UZ V8 VVTI), often ranging from R67,000.00 to R75,000.00.
The work was promised to be completed quickly, typically within three to six weeks.
THE PAYMENT:
Clients were asked to pay large upfront sums.
Payments were directed either to the ABSA Bank account of GEARBOX AND TURBOS or
to an account in the name of D Van Wyk.
THE DELAY:
The vehicles were kept for excessively long periods, ranging from four months (Mr. Johan Holl's Ford Ranger) to 11 months (Mr. Johan Roos's Ford Ranger).
THE DECEPTION:
The suspects employed constant excuses, claiming problems like sick or fired mechanics.
They frequently promised the vehicle would be finished in "two weeks," a recurring fraudulent tendency.
They sent misleading photos or videos (e.g., an engine removed on chains or an incomplete engine) to simulate progress and assure clients that work was being done, even when major components had not been acquired.
COMBINED CLIENT LOSSES AND DAMAGE:
Both documented cases resulted in severe financial loss, vehicle damage, and the theft/disappearance of original vehicle parts.
FINANCIAL LOSS:
Total payments by clients ranged from R63,650.00 to R67,000.00 for the conversion services.
PHYSICAL DAMAGE AND THEFT:
Upon retrieval, vehicles were found to be damaged (e.g., dents and scratches).
The front cradle of one client's vehicle was cut off with a grinder.
Crucially, critical original engine components were confirmed missing or stolen, including the turbo, alternator, exhaust manifold, intercooler, and engine covers.
REPAIR COSTS:
The estimated cost to restore the vehicles to a working state far exceeded the conversion deposit paid.
For Mr. Johan Holl, the repair quotation, including the engine rebuild and missing parts, was R80,000.00.
For Mr. Johan Roos, the estimated repair cost was R147,085.00.
THE INVESTIGATION:
The investigation is led by SSS Specialist Investigator Mr. Riaan Cloete.
The strategy is focused on establishing a robust criminal case.
The primary goal of this project is to get more victims of the same modus operandi to combine all similar cases for joint criminal action.
The operation conducted by Gearbox & Turbos and its associated individuals is similar to a complex bait-and-switch scheme, where
the initial high-value promise (the Lexus V8 conversion) is merely the bait to secure a large payment, but the service delivery is perpetually deferred, eventually revealing that the promised product was never built, leaving the customer with a useless, damaged vehicle and having already paid the substantial fee.
URGENT PUBLIC WARNING:
PATTERN OF FRAUD AND DECEPTION:
The operation exhibits a clear pattern (modus operandi) of soliciting deposits, promising a quick turnaround (six weeks), holding the vehicle indefinitely, and making constant false promises (two weeks).
MISLEADING BUSINESS PRACTICE AND UNREGISTERED STATUS:
The suspects operate under multiple names (Gearbox & Turbos, Fix-It Auto, Johan Workshops).
The business is unregistered.
DESTRUCTION AND THEFT:
The investigation confirmed severe damage to the clients' vehicles and the confirmed theft or disappearance of crucial original engine parts, dramatically increasing the victim's losses.
We strongly advise the public to AVOID ALL DEALINGS
with Paul Andries Jacobus Putter, Wanita Vallerrie Van Wyk, Donovan Leon Van Wyk,
and any business operating under the names Gearbox & Turbos,
Gearbox-Diffs-Turbo's, Fix-It Auto Gearboxes and Differentials, or Johan Workshops,
particularly at the address 765 Steve Biko Street, Wonderboom South/Gezina, Pretoria.
Report any similar experiences or financial losses
immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the relevant
consumer protection bodies.
CONTACT THE SSS SPECIALIST INVESTIGATOR IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM OF ANY ONE OF THESE PERPETRATORS:
MR. RIAAN CLOETE
Contact number: 060 850 3986
Email address: riaanc@mikebolhuis.co.za
Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.
This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.
How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.
2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:
3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.
4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)
CONTACT MR MIKE BOLHUIS FOR SAFETY AND SECURITY MEASURES, PROTECTION, OR AN INVESTIGATION IF NEEDED.
ALL INFORMATION RECEIVED WILL BE TREATED IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENTIALITY AND EVERY IDENTITY WILL BE PROTECTED.
Regards,
Mike Bolhuis
Specialist Investigators into
Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes
PSIRA Reg. 1590364/421949
Mobile: +27 82 447 6116
E-mail: mike@mikebolhuis.co.za
Fax: 086 585 4924
Follow us on Facebook to view our projects -
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: All potential clients need to be aware that owing to the nature of our work as specialist investigators there are people who have been caught on the wrong side of the law - who are trying to discredit me - Mike Bolhuis and my organisation Specialised Security Services - to get themselves off the hook. This retaliation happens on social media and creates doubt about our integrity and ability. Doubt created on social media platforms is both unwarranted and untrue. We strongly recommend that you make up your minds concerning me and our organisation only after considering all the factual information - to the exclusion of hearsay and assumptions. Furthermore, you are welcome to address your concerns directly with me should you still be unsatisfied with your conclusions. While the internet provides a lot of valuable information, it is also a platform that distributes a lot of false information. The distribution of false information, fake news, slander and hate speech constitutes a crime that can be prosecuted by law. Your own research discretion and discernment are imperative when choosing what and what not to believe.
STANDARD RULES APPLY: Upon appointment, we require a formal mandate with detailed instructions. Please take note that should you not make use of our services – you may not under any circumstance use my name or the name of my organisation as a means to achieve whatever end.
POPI ACT 4 of 2013 South Africa: Mike Bolhuis' "Specialised Security Services" falls under Section 6 of the act. Read more here: https://mikebh.link/fntdpv
SSS TASK TEAM:
Copyright © 2015- PRESENT | Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services | All rights reserved.
Our mailing address is:
Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services
PO Box 15075 Lynn East
Pretoria, Gauteng 0039
South Africa
Add us to your address book
THIS PUBLIC DOCUMENT WAS INTENDED TO BE SHARED, PLEASE DO SO.
