After returning to the scene of his alleged crimes, a 34-year-old suspected card thief was arrested at an Engen garage in Bredell on October 16.
Thule Sifiso appeared in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on October 18 facing charges of theft and robbery.
Capt Jethro Mtshali, Kempton SAPS spokesperson, said it was suspected the suspect could be responsible for multiple cases of card theft.
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Sifiso was spotted by one of his alleged victims, Mamford Sichali (33), at an ATM where Sichali fell prey to him several days earlier.
Sifiso was apprehended by a Sec Pros security officer around 5pm.
On the scene, security officers found at least 14 cards believed to be those of his other victims.
Sichali told Express his boss’ card was stolen from him at the petrol station ATM on October 12 while he was withdrawing money on his boss’ behalf.
“My boss wasn’t feeling well, so he asked me to buy cigarettes and draw money.”
He withdrew money and left to buy the cigarettes. He then returned to withdraw more money. That was when he saw the suspect in the queue.
Sichali said when it was his turn, the suspect was standing not too far away. As he tried to put the card into the slot, the machine wouldn’t take it. The suspect came over to Sichali to “help” him.
It is suspected that was when the suspect swiftly switched the card. Sichali only noticed this a while later after the suspect had made a run for it.
Mtshali thanked the security officers for their cooperation in ensuring that the alleged perpetrator had been brought to book.
“We once again appeal to the community, especially while approaching the festive season, to be alert at all times for any suspicious people when using ATMs.”
He warned the community not to ask for any assistance from strangers at ATMs, no matter the circumstance.
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