A man who claims to have fallen victim to con artists at Mayfield Square, Daveyton, in August recently spotted one of the suspects at the same mall and alerted the Putfontein SAPS.
The suspect has since appeared in court on charges of common robbery and was denied bail.
According to the victim, he was approached at the shopping centre by a man seeking help to transport some goods.
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After driving with this man and another man, they met up with a third man who claimed to have an envelope full of money for the transporting of the goods.
Moments later, the victim was cornered in the vehicle and threatened while the suspects robbed him of a wedding ring, cellphone and cash.
On October 19, the victim recognised the man who claimed to have the envelope full of cash at Mayfield Square.
“The victim saw the man trying to con another unsuspecting victim,” said Putfontein SAPS spokesperson Const Raider Ubisi.
“The victim alerted the security guards and the suspect was searched.
“Security guards found an envelope full of papers cut to the size of R100 notes wrapped with a R100 note.
“The Putfontein SAPS was summoned to the scene and they arrested the man.
“He appeared in Benoni Magistrate’s Court on October 28.
“Our station commander, Lt Col Wellington Mathiane, has warned the public to be extra vigilant around shopping centres to avoid falling victim to con artists, who will be out in their numbers this festive season,” said Ubisi.
“He also advised the community not to seek help from strangers – rather ask for help from security guards or police officers, who also have an office at Mayfield Square, for example.”
