Alleged fraudster arrested in Mozambique

ANNA De Wet, who
has been accused of
defrauding holidaymakers
and accommodation
establishments, was arrested
in Xai Xai, Mozambique, on
December 28 and released
on January 9. It is believed
she has now made her way
to Maputo.
Anna advertises for holidays
in Mozambique and Sodwana
Bay online.
Chantelle Bornman told
TNW that she had contacted
Anna after she had seen
an online advertisement
for a holiday in December
in Sodwana Bay. Before
making the R16 000,
payment, Chantelle requested
verification by text message.
Anna replied: “We have
been in the accommodation
business for 20 years.
We can send you GPS
co-ordinates if you would
like.” When the booking
fell through after payment,
Chantelle asked for a
refund. However, this never
materialised, with Anna first
saying refunds would take
15 days, then mentioning
they would take 30 days.
Another holidaymaker,
who preferred to remain
anonymous, paid Anna
R7 000 for accommodation
in December. However, Anna
disappeared with the money
and never responded to
emails or calls.
Lodges and accommodation
establishments have
also been affected. Anna
reportedly checked in to
a resort in Mozambique
on December 22, claiming
her husband would arrive
the next day and settle the
bill. When the husband still
hadn’t made an appearance
by December 26, Anna was
asked to leave.
On December 27, Anna
reportedly told the lodge
owners she had made a
payment but her computer
had a flat battery and
she couldn’t download
the proof of payment. The
next day the lodge owners
discovered various Facebook
reports about Anna’s scams
and confronted her. She
allegedly also operated
under the name of Caroline
Easterbrook.
The lodge owner laid
charges, which led to Anna’s
arrest, but she was released
after the lodge owner decided
not to pursue the case.
The owner was tasked with
providing food for Anna while
in jail and asked the police to
release her.