Fraud and bank following crimes on the rise
The SAPS in Kathorus are calling on members of the public as well as business owners to be vigilant when shopping, or after withdrawing money at ATMs at shopping complexes around the townships.
According to Const Sivenkosi Mtwa, the spokesperson for the Katlehong SAPS, gangs of fraudsters operating at shopping centres around Kathorus are targeting shoppers.
He said they are using “scam” tactics to defraud unsuspecting members of the public who have withdrawn money at the bank and ATMs.
Mtwa told Kathorus MAIL that criminals follow their victims after they withdraw money from an ATM or the bank.
He said that according to victims of the scam is that members of the gang use fake bank notes to draw the attention of the victims.
“They drop a package or an envelope that is purported to contain bank notes or cash, which they then claim is part of the money their victim has just withdrawn from the bank or ATM. They then say that the package or the cash notes fell out of the victim’s handbag or pocket.
“The victims are led to believe that the money the fraudsters claim to have picked up on the ground belongs to them.”
Mtwa said many of the victims find out later when they arrive home that they have been robbed of the money they had withdrawn from the bank or ATM at the shopping complex.
“We want to warn and urge shoppers and business owners to be extremely cautious, especially after they have been to a shopping complex to withdraw cash at an ATM of the bank,” said Mtwa.
He asks members of the public to be vigilant at all times when carrying large amounts of cash.
Mtwa added that the police have had to deal with a growing number of complaints from members of the public after they fell prey to the fraudsters.
“The problem seems to be widespread as more victims have approached the police for help to recover their cash. But in most cases the culprits have long since left the scene and moved to another shopping complex where they continue to prey on other victims,” Mtwa, explained.
Meanwhile, the Sector 4 manager and CPF patrollers in Spruitview are conducting foot patrols at night to battle a high crime wave to clean up the local streets.
On May 12, sector manager Srgt Makeke painted the streets of the up-market suburb in Katlehong blue with other SAPS stakeholders.
Mtwa said residents in the area have been under siege from gangs responsible for the rising house burglaries.
The foot patrol visited taverns and business premises to ensure all are safe while advising owners to close shop to avoid break-ins.
Hot spots such as petrol stations, schools and public parks enjoy high law enforcement visibility.
“We also target securing pedestrian bridges as we all know it’s winter and some people come late from work. They end up being potential victims of robbers.
“Our policing partners, community leaders and all other stakeholders must come on board for us to make our communities a safer place to live in.”
Katlehong Station commander Brig Albertina Vesi is challenging all other sectors of Katlehong to follow suit with foot patrols.
