Police have arrested two suspects accused of swindling a victim out of thousands of rands through an alleged traditional healer scam after recovering nearly R100 000 in cash, bank cards and cellphones during an intelligence-driven operation spanning Limpopo and North West.
The suspects, aged 38 and 49, were arrested in Brits after members of the South African Police Service in Northam, working together with PPS Security Brits, launched a targeted operation following a complaint of theft under false pretences.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the victim was allegedly defrauded of a substantial amount of money by a suspect posing as a traditional healer.
Acting swiftly on information received on Monday, police traced a white Toyota Corolla believed to have been used during the commission of the crime.
“Police immediately operationalised the information and traced a white Toyota Corolla believed to have been used during the commission of the offence. The vehicle was intercepted in Brits, North West Province, where a male and female suspect were arrested,” said Ledwaba.
During the search, officers recovered several bank cards, multiple cellphones, the complainant’s cellphone and about R18 000 in cash inside the vehicle.
Ledwaba said further investigations took officers to a guest house in Brits, where additional cash was found concealed in a safe.
“The total amount of money seized during the operation amounts to R96 700,” he added.
All recovered items were confiscated for further investigation.
The suspects are expected to appear before the Northam Magistrate’s Court soon on charges of theft under false pretences.
Meanwhile, Limpopo Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe praised the officers involved for their quick response and commitment in tracking down suspects linked to criminal activity.
Hadebe commended police for their “swift response and commitment in ensuring that suspects linked to criminal activities are swiftly apprehended.”
The Star
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