Police boss faces allegations of loan-sharking
There are new allegations against the Boksburg SAPS station commander.
It was recently reported that Col Biggs Govender is an alleged moneylender, who charges his clients extremely high rates of interest under illegal conditions.
This came about after two foreign nationals lodged complaints against Govender, claiming that he lent them money and subsequently seized their vehicles.
However, the top cop has refuted these allegations.
He has admitted lending the pair money and taking their vehicles, but he has denied ever charging them any interest.
One of the vehicles is a blue VW Jetta 2 and the other is a Mazda van.
He confirmed that he lent the pair R10 000 interest-free, but added that, as a token of gratitude for the help, both borrowers apparently voluntarily offered to pay back R13 000.
Govender says he regarded the pair as friends, as they attended the same church and one of them is an electrician whom he has used on many occasions at his house.
“So, when these men approached me for help, I didn’t hesitate to assist my fellow brothers in need,” he said.
“One of them nicely told me that he had secured a new contract and needed money to do the job,” said Govender.
“The other guy told me that he wanted to start a salon business, and for that reason he was desperately in need of capital, then I agreed to help them,” said Govender.
Govender, however, added that his only misgiving was that the men might not pay back his money, and for that reason, they all agreed to put up their vehicles as collateral for the money owed.
The Advertiser has a copy of the document written and signed by one of the borrowers, agreeing that his vehicle would become the property of Govender if the debt was not paid by August 15, 2014.
Govender then kept the documents for the vehicles as collateral for the debt.
When the men allegedly failed to pay back the money by the date agreed upon, Govender seized their vehicles.
According to Govender, the men have since lodged a formal complaint against him and the matter is being investigated by the SAPS management.
As a result of the complaints, Govender said he was now facing an internal hearing, which he is expected to attend on October 13.
“All I want is my money back. I don’t even want the extra amount they offered to give me. They must just pay me my money – end of story,” he added.
When he was asked why he decided to repaint one of the vehicles, the Jetta, Govender said the car now belongs to him so he believes he is entitled to give it a face-lift, as its body was deplorable condition.
Govender believes the two men are collaborating with others in an attempt to tarnish his reputation. @FanieFLK
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