A suspect has been arrested for posing as an Eskom contractor in Ivory Park while allegedly soliciting money from the community.
It is alleged that the suspect (31) visited residences in Kaalfontein during which he produced an Eskom-issued card and claimed to be checking electricity meters to investigate breaches and fraudulent use of electricity.
“Allegedly, the suspect was at some point a contract worker at the utility and when the contract with Eskom ended, he did not return the card and the overalls,” said spokesperson for Ivory Park Police Station, Captain Bernard Matimulane.
On 24 October, the suspect was identified by a woman who allegedly gave him money on 23 October after he accused her of breaching her electricity.
Members of the community came out in numbers and the suspect was pursued and caught. It was while he was being interrogated by the community that members of the Tactical Response Team from Ekurhuleni North Cluster arrived. They were on routine patrol in the area.
“We appreciate the fact that despite the alleged fraud, the suspect was found intact and unharmed. We would like to thank the community for heeding our often repeated appeal to refrain from resorting to mob justice,” said Brigadier David Mbongeni Ngcobo, the station commander for Ivory Park Police Station.
The suspect has been detained at Ivory Park Police Station and will be charged with fraud for masquerading as an Eskom employee.
Ivory Park police are calling upon community members who may have been duped under similar circumstances to contact the station.
Details: Ivory Park Police Station 011 990 9618.
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