POTCHEFSTROOM – Four suspects aged between 37 and 61 who are suspected members of a syndicate, are expected to appear in the Wolmaransstad Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 7 November 2022, for theft and fraud. The suspects’ court appearance emanates from their arrest on Saturday, 5 November 2022, after they tried to defraud a local man.

It is alleged that the suspects approached unsuspecting contractors and promised them tenders. The victims would then be asked to deposit a certain amount of cash into an account in exchange for a tender.

Reports suggest that on Wednesday, 2 November 2022, the suspects who pretended to be North West government employees approached a 53-year-old victim and promised to award him a R58 million tender on condition that he gives them R40 000-00. Consequently, the victim deposited R20 000-00 and committed to pay the remaining money later. He then informed the police and the suspects were ultimately apprehended by the National Organised Crime Unit, Tactical Response Team (TRT) and the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District Detectives after trying to meet up with the suspect. 

The Provincial Commissioner of North West, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena congratulated all the units involved for their collaboration that resulted in the arrest. He urged members of the community to be vigilant of scams such as this one. 

Source: South African Police Service