Fake metro employee scam targets vulnerable pensioners in Kwa-Thema

Kwa-Thema – Springs police are warning residents to be vigilant about scammers targeting vulnerable residents and robbing them of their valuables.
This is after a group of elders from Republic Trinity Church were robbed with the promise of food parcels last week.
Gogo Zodwa Mabena said a beautiful, well-dressed woman approached them while cleaning the church, claiming to be from the City of Ekurhuleni and saying they are giving away food parcels to the elders.
“This was not alarming, as we have received food parcels in the past.”
She asked they drive to Springs town, where they will be able to redeem the voucher.

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Mabena explained they used one of the elders’ bakkies, and when they arrived at the shopping centre’s parking lot, the suspect insisted they park in the deliveries section.
“Ntate Nginga Madonsela refused and insisted they park in the customer’s parking lot.
“She then borrowed his cellphone to call her colleague who was in possession of the shopping vouchers and was waiting for them somewhere in the centre.”
She then instructed the two elders to continue shopping while she goes to speak with the store manager.
This was the last time they saw her.
Mabena added they became worried when time passed and they could not find the woman anywhere in the store.
The two elders asked to speak to the manager, who told them they were scammed and were not the first group to complain.

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The manager advised them to check if their car was still in the parking lot, as they had also stolen their victims’ cars.
“Fortunately, they failed to gain access to the car, as it was locked. We found scratch marks on the keyhole, showing someone was trying to gain access,” she added.
Springs police spokesperson Sgt Themba Shabalala confirmed they are investigating cases of theft.

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