Job scamster arrested in Mariannhill
Two of the suspects, who are believed to be involved in the job scam, are still on the run.
A MAN who is allegedly behind a social media job scam, that has targeted numerous women, was arrested by Mariannhill detectives and other units.
In a joint operation, Mariannhill detectives, the Crime Intelligence Unit, the Tactical Response Team and Metro K9 searched for the suspects who preyed on desperate women who sought employment.
“The suspects would place a fake advertisement on social media platforms for domestic work. They would lure the victim to a secluded area in Mariannridge and take them to the bushes. The captors would demand a ransom from the victim’s family. Police followed up on information regarding a suspect who was waiting for another victim who responded to an advertised job scam after a trap was set,” said KZN SAPS spokesman, Captain Nqobile Gwala.
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Police made their way to a bus stop on Henry Pennington Road in Mariannhill and arrested a 39-year-old man. Two suspects, who were waiting for the victim in the bushes, fled when they saw that their accomplice was apprehended.
“An investigation was conducted at the crime scene that led the investigative team to the residences of the suspects in Mariannridge. The men who fled the scene were not found. Upon searching their premises, bank cards, a cellphone as well as ID documents of the previous victims were found,” said Gwala.
The sized property was linked to four cases reported at Mariannhill SAPS where the same modus operandi was used.
The search for the remaining two suspects is ongoing and Gwala warned residents to remain vigilant when responding to vacancies shared on social media platforms.
“If they see such activities, they are requested to report this police,” said Gwala.
The suspect will appear in the Pinetown Magistrate’s Court later this week.
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