The Lydenburg SAPS are searching for the suspect, Paul Barigye.
He allegedly committed fraud on May 15 by telling Sarah Johanna Khumalo that he ran an investment company and that he wanted to sell her shares.
The victim fell into the trap and gave Barigye an amount of R205 000. Barigye told the victim to prepare to go and sign for the shares.
After 15 minutes, the victim phoned Barigye; he told her that the police arrested him and that they took all the money.
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The victim drove to the Lydenburg Police Station to check what happened, and was told Barigye had not been arrested. When she called Barigye, his phone was off.
The suspect was said to drive a blue Mercedes-Benz with registration number KHW 218MP.
“When tracking the vehicle, it was found it was owned by Alex Khandwa of 10 De Villiers Street, Barberton. Anyone who knows what the whereabouts of either Khandwa or Paul Barigye is, must contact the police. The community is cautioned not to trust strangers with their money. It is advisable that if you want to invest your money, to go to formal institutions that do not trick people,” said the police spokesperson, Capt Kaizer Moela.
The investigation is pending and the police appeals to anyone who might know or come across the suspect to inform the investigating officer, Det Sgt Ruth Sithole, on 073 020 9102, or the Lydenburg SAPS on 013 235 2222/3.
