Ford South Africa files fraud charges over fake director who has nothing to do with the company

Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa is filing criminal charges related to the fraudulent registration of a non-executive director, who is not in any way associated with the company, in the government’s official business registry.

In a press statement released on Tuesday, 9 June, Ford said it recently became aware that a man named Clinton Ward Myburgh had been registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) as a non-executive director of the company.

However, this appointment was unauthorised and fraudulent. “The listing of Mr Clinton Ward Myburgh as a non-executive director of the company is entirely false,” Ford said. 

“This appointment is not recognised, authorised, or approved by Ford or any of its representatives.”

The company explained that Myburgh is not associated with Ford Motor Company in any capacity and is not a Ford employee.

Therefore, any dealings a company or individual may have had with Muburgh as a purported Ford representative are unenforceable and invalid.

“Customers, partners and stakeholders are cautioned that any commitments, agreements or representations made by Mr Myburgh as representing the company are fraudulent and constitute a deliberate misrepresentation,” Ford said.

The company has started filing formal criminal charges, including fraud, extortion, and misrepresentation, with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Ford has also lodged a formal complaint or objection with the CIPC regarding this registration.

“The company has formally requested an urgent explanation from the CIPC regarding how this unauthorised appointment was permitted to occur without the involvement, consent or participation of Ford,” it said.