Crime

No bail for fraudster fugitive, case postponed

His alleged modus operandi was to target single and elderly women through dating sites.

Fugitive Michael Jacobus Willemans, who allegedly defrauded and stole from people nationwide, appeared in the Boksburg Magistrate’s Court on January 18.

Willemans, originally from Brakpan, faces eight charges of fraud and eight charges of theft.

He was on the run for years but his luck ran out on January 9 when he was caught by police on 9th Road, Rynfield.

The suspect was arrested at a flat believed to be his girlfriend’s after members of the SAPS Trio-Tactic Unit, in collaboration with Anti-Hijacking and Policing SA and CJ Investigators, received a tip-off about his whereabouts.

Willemans allegedly defrauded and stole from people while hiding behind pseudonyms.

Cases of theft and fraud are reportedly open against him in Boksburg North, Welkom, the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal and other areas.

His alleged modus operandi was to target single and elderly women through dating sites.

These criminal activities reportedly began four months after he was released on parole for theft in 2017.

His bail application was denied. The matter was postponed till February 20 for further investigation.

Also read: Online buyers beware

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Stacy Slatter

News editor Stacy Slatter is a seasoned journalist with 20 years of experience in community news. Throughout the years, she has covered a wide range of topics, from crime, municipal news and human interest stories, to sports and community events. Stacy also has extensive sub-editing experience.

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