UPDATE: Kitty and Puppy Haven fraudster out on bail

Speaking on behalf of Bramley Police station, Provincial Police spokesperson, Captain Tsekiso Mofokeng has confirmed the arrest of an alleged con woman.

The woman had claimed to be collecting donations on behalf of Kitty and Puppy Haven, an animal sanctuary based in Midrand.

“The suspect appeared on 11 February on charges of fraud,” said Mofokeng. He could not give further details as to where and when her next court appearance would be. “[Those details will] be verified with the National Prosecuting Authority,” he said.

The woman has since been granted bail and according to Candice Shaer, chairperson of the shelter, people have spotted her continuing with her scam. Shaer said although she is no longer using Kitty and Puppy Haven’s name, she still claims to be collecting money for an animal shelter.

Shaer advised people to contact the police should they spot this woman again.

Details: Bramley Police Station: 011 445 4100 or 10111

Initial report, 12 February 7.59pm

According to Candice Shaer, chairperson for the animal shelter, the woman was released on bail on 11 February, after being arrested. Shaer told Midrand Reporter that shortly after the woman’s release, the animal shelter started receiving reports from people saying they had spotted the woman, who was yet again asking for money. “She is apparently no longer using Kitty and Puppy Haven’s name, but still tells people the money goes to an animal shelter,” said Shaer.

It is alleged that the woman has been seen in a Douglasdale restaurant and was later seen in Bryanston.

Midrand Reporter has not been able to confirm the arrest of the woman with the Bramley Police Station.

In a video seen by Midrand Reporter, the woman is heard allegedly confessing to Shaer, after being confronted.

After security officers corner the woman and her her partner, she tells Shaer that she deposited the money into Kitty and Puppy Haven’s account. After Shaer denies receiving the money, the woman says she used it for rent. “I have not been collecting for long,” she says.

Shaer told Midrand Reporter that going through the woman’s collection book, it was clear that she was collecting between R1000 – R1500 per ‘collection point’.

“We have nowhere to go, we are homeless,” the woman says in the video. The woman pleads with Shaer not to destroy hey life, not to call the police and says she cannot go to jail.

Shaer pointed out that the woman had contradicted herself – by first saying the money was for rent, but later telling her she was homeless.

Shaer said she was furious that the woman was back in the street and conning people again. “We need people to call 10111 if they see this lady or if she approaches them asking for money.” Shaer said people should Facebook, WhatsApp or call her for the lady’s details, if they had been conned and were able to open up a case.

Details: Kitty and Puppy Haven’s Facebook Page; Candice Shaer: 078 053 8032