A 26-year-old female suspect appeared at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on September 14 facing charges of fraud.
The suspect was arrested after she was found impersonating the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) debt collector.
CoJ executive mayor Clr Herman Mashaba said the suspect was arrested early this month and has appeared at the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court for the same offence.
“She was charged for committing fraud to the value of R60 000,” he said.
The arrest of the suspect follows an investigation by the city’s group forensic and investigation service (GFIS) department and SAPS.
“It is alleged that the suspect used the name of the CoJ to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by sending them emails alleging that they are attorneys and debt collectors for the city.
“In August last year, a resident from North Riding was sent an electricity, rates and taxes bill of about R430 000 by the suspect. The suspect demanded a down payment of R70 000 from the victim or cut off electricity supply to his property. She was operating as Barlow Attorneys and NHoole Inc,” he said.
Mashaba said two suspects were arrested while operating as Jacobs Inc Attorneys and Barlow Attorneys last year.
“These suspects work with our officials who provide them with information of municipal accounts that are in arrears. I’m appealing to anyone who might have paid money to NHoole Inc, Jacobs Inc Attorneys and Barlow Attorneys to please come forward. The information will assist our law enforcement officials as they continue to investigate this case,” he said.
Mashaba encouraged people to report any fraud and corruption activities through the 24-hour tip-off hotline 0800 002 587 or visit GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
At the time of going to print the outcome of the court proceedings were unknown.
