197 women robbed of R4.9 million in Phuket trip nightmare and SAPS Major General must answer in court

What was supposed to be a celebration of Women's Month in the tropical paradise of Phuket, Thailand, has instead become a devastating tale of shattered dreams, alleged deception and unanswered questions involving nearly R5 million contributed by hardworking South African women.

At the centre of the controversy are 197 women from the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Departments of Health and Education, Metro Police, pensioners and self-employed professionals. They say they were left stranded and financially crippled after a planned trip to Thailand collapsed just days before departure.

The women had spent months saving for the trip, organised under the Gauteng SAPS Women's Network. Each participant contributed approximately R25,000, bringing the total amount paid over to nearly R4.9 million.

The holiday was scheduled to take place from 8 to 15 August 2026.

Instead, what awaited them was a shocking revelation.

According to court papers filed in the Johannesburg High Court, participants were told on 6 August 2026, just two days before departure, that the travel agent responsible for the arrangements could no longer be located.

The message, allegedly delivered by Ekurhuleni District Commissioner Major General Anna Sithole, triggered panic among hundreds of women. They had already bought travel clothing, exchanged currency and arranged leave from work. In many cases they had travelled from other provinces to prepare.

Spokesperson for the 32 women who have decided to take court action, Colonel Nompucuko Mayatula, said the women suspected that Sithole was working with the alleged scammers.

"It felt like the ground disappeared beneath our feet," said Mayatula.

"We worked hard for this trip. Some women are single mothers. Some took money that could have gone towards school fees or household expenses because they trusted this process. Overnight, that money was gone," she said.

The women say the financial loss is only part of the story.

For many, the trip represented a rare opportunity to escape the pressures of demanding careers, family responsibilities and economic hardship.

"It wasn't just a holiday," another participant told this publication. "It was supposed to be a celebration of women who spend their lives serving the public. We were excited. We counted down the days. Then everything collapsed."

Now, the matter has escalated into a high-stakes legal battle.

According to the court papers, 32 women have launched civil proceedings in the Johannesburg High Court against the travel agent, the travel agent's company and Major General Sithole.

The applicants are seeking urgent relief aimed at preserving available funds while pursuing the recovery of money allegedly paid towards the trip.

A court order was previously granted on an interim basis. The matter returned to court after the respondents indicated their intention to oppose the application.

The case was again before court on Monday.

Central to the applicants' case are allegations that critical documentation relating to the trip has not been produced.

The court papers state that participants sought information regarding the appointment of the travel agent, flight bookings, accommodation reservations, travel insurance, excursion arrangements and other supporting records.

The women argue that a project involving nearly 200 travellers and millions of rands should have been accompanied by rigorous oversight, proper verification processes and transparent financial controls.

Instead, they say they were left with questions and very few answers.

"The question that keeps haunting everyone is simple. Where did the money go?" Mayatula asked.

The applicants contend that despite repeated requests, documentation demonstrating that legitimate bookings had been secured was not made available.

The controversy deepened after the travel agent was reportedly arrested following information provided to law enforcement authorities regarding his whereabouts.

However, affected participants stress that a criminal arrest does not automatically result in financial recovery.

"We appreciate that there is a criminal investigation," said Mayatula. "But an arrest does not put R25,000 back into the bank account of a woman who spent a year saving. We need accountability and we need our money back."

Contacted for comment, Major General Sithole referred questions to her lawyers.

"Kindly take note the matter is pending at court and you can contact my lawyers on the number above for information," she wrote in a text.

Her legal representatives confirmed that they were representing Sithole but could not respond to questions due to the ongoing court proceedings.

"I confirm that we are representing Major General Sithole at the High Court in a matter which is the subject of your inquiry. As you might well know, seeing that the matter is sub judice, client is unable to comment at this stage. Trust you find the above in order," they said.