Police officer conned an old man
He produced his SAPS identification card, claiming that he was investigating fraud cases in the area.
BURGERSFORT – Police in Hoedspruit have arrested one of their own after he conned a man out off thousands of rand. The 46-year-old officer, Mr Sydwell Seoke of Burgersfort allegedly approached a 59-year-old man, Mr Samson Shai on Saturday afternoon, after he had withdrawn money from an ATM.
He produced his SAPS identification card, claiming that he was investigating fraud cases in the area.
The man was taken to a remote area where his cellphone was seized and his money was switched with an envelope full of newspaper cuttings after which the suspect ran away.
The 59-year-old victim alerted the police who searched for the culprit who was spotted at the local mall and arrested. Further investigations are underway to ascertain if the suspect can be linked to similar cases in the Hoedspruit and other areas.
Departmental steps will also be instituted against the perpetrator. Hoedspruit police confirmed that he appeared in court on Monday and was granted bail of R1 000 bail. Const Levhuwani Malaudzi has confirmed that Seoke will appear again on September 4.
