Be vigilant of your surroundings and people, you don’t know who will scam you next.
On Wednesday, August 22, taxi drivers took the law into their own hands and scammers suffered under mob justice.
This was after three victims fell for the stories of the scammers, stealing money and cell phones, allegedly at Highveld Mall.
The alleged scammers.
According to one victim, the suspects approached her asking for a place to exchange foreign currency. The victim pointed them in the right direction, only to realise that her cell phone was stolen. In another case, the suspects also asked for help in exchanging foreign currency, and the victims lost close to R8 000 in cash.
After the incidents were spoken of at the taxi rank, the taxi drivers saw the alleged suspects leave in a Prado, with a Gauteng registration number. They were followed from Highveld Mall to Corridor Hill, thinking they can go onto the highway, direction Middelburg from there.
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When the suspects realised that they could not, they ran into the field. They were then picked up by another taxi and the drivers assaulted the alleged scammers.
Ms Maureen Scheepers, operations co-ordinator of the SACCW (South African Community Crime Watch) and Mr Rassie van der Lith, another responder reacted to an emergency call where they assisted in the mob justice.
“I dispatched police to the scene and the alleged scammers were taken to Witbank Hospital under police supervision. The Prado was searched by police and foreign currency was found, along with money and other number plates, all of them are Gauteng plates,” Scheepers said.
Mr Henri Gouws, marketing manager at Highveld Mall did an urgent call on the public again, to report suspicious behaviour at any time.
“Do not accept anything from strangers and do not give your handbag to someone who offers to hold it. It’s not safe. If you do have anything to report, no matter how small, call 013 692 6010 or go straight to centre management and the right steps will be taken. We will enhance security and do anything in our power to improve the safety of our shoppers.”
The alleged scammers.
He added that the public can always go to any shop manager to report any suspicious activity and that the public should be vigilant and careful, no matter where they are shopping.
“Be very weary when shopping at the mall if anyone approaches you who are clearly not from a store or an exhibitor. Notify the security immediately.”
