TVI Express is an international pyramid scheme that made waves in 2010, has left many in bad debt. It's alarming that even in the small town of Newcastle, the scheme gained support from a large number of educated people who were lured into the scam. With many falling prey to the pyramid scheme and losing substantial amounts of money, the after effects of the scheme has dealt them a low blow.

According to an article published on Behindmlm.com, Trade and Industry spokesperson Sidwell Medupe said that South Africa's Department of Trade and Industry made known their intention to launch criminal proceedings against the company and its distributors.

This pyramid scheme was a non-sustainable business model that promised it's investors a higher return, primarily for enrolling people into the scheme, rather than supplying a real investment or sale of products or services to the public.

According to local resident, Makhosazane Xulu, the pyramid scheme left her in a massive hole, which she is still trying to get out of.

"I had borrowed R21 000 from a bank so I could invest in the scheme," she said.

According to Newcastle Communications Officer, Warrant Officer Luthuli cases opened against the international company date as far back as two years ago.

Due to the fact that TVI Express had no established offices, the process of follow up has been greatly hampered. Xulu said she thought that the scheme was legitimate after her colleagues had been paid out huge amounts of money after investing. She added that reporting the matter to the authorities would not get her money back because those responsible could not be found.

Members of the public who have invested in the TVI Scheme and lost money are urged to report the matter to the SAPS.