NELSPRUIT – The police management in Mpumalanga is encouraged by the efforts made to combat fraud in the province. This comes after a 45-year-old man was arrested on Friday, 30 June 2021 on charges related to fraud which was reported in June 2021.

Information at police disposal indicates that the suspect lured a 56-year- old man to make a transaction for an undisclosed amount of cash with a business undertaking that a sawdust industrial machine would be purchased for him, through the facilitation of the suspect. The man was enticed by this seemingly lucrative deal which prompted him to act as promised. The complainant later realised that he was being misled after making several calls in an effort to get hold of him. These efforts were proven to be futile as the suspect never responded. The matter was then reported to police where a case was opened and a manhunt launched for the suspect.

An investigation team was assembled to probe the matter and they worked tirelessly and cornered the man at his hiding place in Nelspruit. He was then charged accordingly following his arrest where he appeared before the Nelspruit Magistrates’ Court on the same day he was arrested. He was granted bail and he is due to appear before the same court tomorrow, Monday 02 August 2021.

The Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Manamela has urged members of the public to be vigilant. “We are closing all the nets for those who prey on innocent victims. However, we urge our people to also play their part and ensure that no one takes advantage by robbing them of their hard earned cash,” advised General Manamela.

Source: South African Police Service