Linden police would like to warn the public about criminals who target unemployed people.
Linden police spokesperson Constable Takalani Matumba said a victim was walking on a street after visiting an ATM in Linden on 25 August. A suspect stopped his car near him and asked if he was seeking employment, and by coincidence he was.
“The complainant entered the suspect’s vehicle thinking he was going to be taken to the place of employment for an undisclosed job.
The suspect drove the man to Cresta Shopping Centre and told him that he had to withdraw R50 000 before being employed,” she said.
The desperate victim withdrew the cash with the help of a bank consultant, and the suspect even convinced the victim to withdraw a further R10 000.
“They then drove to Melville, with the victim still believing that he would be taken to the place of employment. The suspect stopped his vehicle outside of a corner store, then asked the victim to exit the vehicle to buy him some cold drink,” she said.
When the victim came back, the suspect was nowhere to be found and had disappeared with the cash.
Randburg Sun previously reported on a case of robbery involving an unemployed victim that occurred in Darrenwood on 16 July.
In that case, a vehicle with three male occupants stopped near their victim who was walking on the side of the road. One of them offered him a lucrative job and told him to get into their car so they could go to the place where the job was before robbing their victim of his valuables.
“As the police, we strongly encourage our community to not fall victim to criminals like this. Do not [withdraw] your money for anyone if you do not know them. Many people are seeking employment during this time, and many criminals are preying on this. Establish a connection to the potential employer and make sure that they are legitimate.”
She added that those who were looking for peace jobs on the street needed to be more careful as to whom offered them jobs. “If they didn’t explain to you what kind of job you will be doing, don’t just get into a person’s car. No person will ask you for money to engage in employment, and if you are suspicious of this, please do not hesitate to contact the police.”
Details: Linden police 011 888 9211.
