The three suspects have been monitored by the police after Engen garage CCTV footage recorded the trio robbing a 52-year-old man who was withdrawing money at the garage in Thokoza recently.
Communications officer at Katlehong SAPS Sivenkosi Mtwa said the incident drew their attention and they decided to send undercover cops to monitor the place.
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“It is alleged that while undercover, the police noticed the trio act as if they are withdrawing money and then act as if they are assisting people after they have tampered with the ATM. They would let people insert their PINs while watching over their shoulders. After victims have done their withdrawal the suspects would put their own fraudulent cards into the ATM and withdraw money using the victims’ PINs,” said Mtwa.
He added that the undercover cops also spotted the suspects going to their white Ford Figo to change clothes so it won’t be easy to identify them when the next victim comes.
June 25 was their unlucky day as the undercover police officers were posted to monitor their hunting ground again.
“The suspects were caught red-handed while trying to scam another victim. The police caught them with various bank cards and a large amount of money estimated at R15 000,” Mtwa said.
The first victim, a 52-year-old man, was lucky as the police managed to recover and return his money after the trio was arrested.
The suspects were detained at Thokoza SAPS and charged with fraud.
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“More charges might be added as the investigation continues.”
The suspects are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court soon.
