According to Constable Lindiwe Pile, “The suspects place pamphlets on street poles with their contact details. Students call those numbers and are promised accommodation. They are told to deposit money at a store.”
Const Pile said because students are desperate for accommodation, they deposit the money.
“Some of these students come from Pietersburg and when they get here, they realise there is no accommodation. The address given does not exist and the suspects’ phones are switched off. The students then come to the SAPS and open a case,” she added.
Const Pile said every year during this time, students report similar cases at the station.
“We caution people to stop taking contact details from street lights for accommodation, as some people use these advertisements to scam potential tenants. When people become victims of this scam, they must report it at the police station. It is hard to work on such cases, but people must come forward and give us all the relevant information,” said Const Pile.
