Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Monday provisionally withdrew charges of fraud against a husband and wife who were arrested during an operation at their home in Ladanna on Friday.
Limpopo Hawks firstly visited a house in Ivy Park but when the suspects were allegedly not home they then proceeded to a house in Ladanna where the house of a couple allegedly involved in tender fraud was searched.
Limpopo Hawks Spokesperson Matimba Maluleke indicated that the modus operandi of the suspects reportedly entailed advertising departmental tenders on social media. It is believed that their victims, when applying, would be advised to pay a certain amount to a so-called service provider in order to have the goods or services delivered to the department. They allegedly convinced their victims that the department would pay them within 60 or 90 days but that never happened, Maluleke informed.
A Hawks officials showed members of the media a notebook containing written templates on how a phone must be answered or how to respond to emails in a proper manner. The book was discovered inside the couple’s house.
On the reason why the case was withdrawn, Maluleke only indicated that more evidence should be gathered to continue.
Story: RC Myburgh
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