Local family swindled out of R100 000 by bogus Hawks member
The family had reportedly paid the money over to the man in order to have a case docket squashed.
POLOKWANE – The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation unit cautioned the public about scammers, who are purporting to be members of the Hawks, after a local family was reportedly swindled out of R100 000 by a conman.
Hawks Spokesperson, Capt Matimba Maluleke said the scammer saw and opportunity to make money out of the family after one of their members were arrested for fraud.
“This bogus Hawks member allegedly contacted the family of the accused person and identified himself as Enos from Serious Corruption Unit in Polokwane and demanded money in order to squash the docket. The family agreed and the money was paid over.”
When the said case was placed on the court roll and the family members of the accused realised they had been conned and then reported the matter to the ‘real Hawks’, who are now busy with the investigations, he said.
While busy with this investigation, another report about bogus Hawks member who had demanded money from the family of another different accused person, was received.
“The Hawks would like to inform the public that no member of the Hawks is allowed to call family members of the arrested people and demand money for their freedom. If they receive such a call, they must know that they are about to be swindled and they are requested to report the matter to the nearest police station,” Maluleke concluded.
