Two suspects appeared in the Randburg Magistrate Court recently to face charges of theft under false pretence, after being caught by the police for defrauding a man in the Randburg CBD.
Randburg Police Station spokesperson Captain Makgowanyana Maja said, “On 6 August during the day, their victim went to a bank in the Randburg CBD where he withdrew some cash.”
The victim was followed by the suspects and his money was taken by the suspects in a suspicious manner.
“Apparently under the mysterious circumstances, which are part of the investigations, he found himself having a brown envelope with blank papers and his cash removed and taken,” he added.
The case was opened and the investigation unfolded, resulting in the duo being were tracked down and arrested.
The suspects were charged with the crime of theft under false pretence, which is the process of obtaining money or property through fraud.
The suspects appeared briefly in the Randburg Magistrates Court for their bail application but were remanded in custody while further investigations are taking place.
Maja continued, “As part of our safer festive season campaign, we would like the community to work together with us in order to create a safer festive season for us all by adhering to precautionary steps or measures when going to the banks.”
Maja issued the following safety tips:
- Never make your bank visit public, even to your close friends
- Do not trust anyone around banks
- Alternate your days of banking
- Avoid carrying a large amount of cash
- Electronic transfers can be safer when paying your clients
- Avoid driving to the bank with company branded vehicle on the days your employees are to be paid
- Avoid listening to unrealistic stories from the strangers, “No one may make you rich while the person failed to be rich himself or herself. Money cannot be multiplied miraculously, do not believe the unbelievable,” Maja said.
- Never allow anyone to offer you a lift nor hitch-hike to or from the bank.
“It is that time of the year where club members will be dividing their contributions, so arrange with the bank to do your payments electronically into the club members’ accounts,” Maja said.
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