Bogus health official nabbed
A swift reaction by Yeoville police led to the arrest of a bogus department of health official.
Yeoville police spokesperson Constable Thabo Malatji said it was alleged that the suspect went to the complainant’s place of residence in Yeoville and posed as an official from the Department of Health. He demanded R10 000 from the complainant after accusing him of practising as a physiotherapist without being registered.
Malatji said, “The complainant told the suspect that he was only doing voluntary sessions for a shelter and was not practising.”
However, the suspect allegedly took R2 000 from the complainant by force and instructed him to organise the remainder of the money. Malatji said the victim reported the matter to the police.
The suspect later contacted the complainant and arranged to collect the remainder of the money. The complainant informed police and the suspect was arrested when he returned to fetch the money.
Malatji added, “A 9mm pistol was found in the suspect’s possession and he was expected to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of extortion and robbery. On further investigation it was established that the suspect was not in the employment of the Department of Health.”
