Alberton SAPS warns of trend involving con artists
Community members are advised to be vigilant of a criminal trend involving con artists and locals are urged to report these cases at Alberton SAPS.
Consumer Sthembile Mhlanga issues a stringent warning after almost being a victim of crime this past week.
The 40-year-old, who works in the community, warns the public to be vigilant after bogus police officers made efforts of coning her.
On her way back home she was approached by a male trickster, who smeared dark grease on her right arm without her realising it.
Another person then approached, pointing her to this smear on her arm and deceived her into thinking he was an officer.
“This next person said I should get inside the car as they’re officers and they’ll assist me in opening a case at the station. They were in a private grey car and claimed to know about such cases where people were smeared and later realised they had lost their money. I then refused to get inside the car and rushed off,” said Mhlanga.
She said she considers herself lucky and warned community members to be cautious.
Captain Manare Ramotshela of Alberton SAPS said he believes people have been victims of these con artists although not everyone is willing to open a case.
“The community is still getting robbed using these different systems of scamming and victims are still falling into these traps. The community must not take anything lightly. These culprits will touch you with something and one person from that gang will approach you,” he said.
He said once you start listening to them, they convince you into believing their tactics.
“They will say they want to help save your money from the very same criminals they’re working with. Once you agree, they may demand money and force you to withdraw your money. People have been left with nothing and children are also advised not to talk to strangers,” he explained.
To report such cases, contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111, Alberton SAPS on 011 861 6800 or Brackendowns SAPS on 011 617 5600.
