Communities’ tip-offs lead authorities to loot
A cache of stolen goods ranging from groceries to hair extensions, was recovered and four young men arrested during a bust in KaMhlushwa on Monday morning.
KAMHLUSHWA – According to Const Zithulele Mhlongo of the local police station, officers received a tip-off around 08:30 that pointed out the hiding place of young men involved in property crimes.
Officers found the four men, aged between 18 and 35, hiding out at a friend’s house and in possession of a variety of items they suspect were stolen from a foreign national’s shop in the area.
The station commander, Capt Mzwandile Nyambi, expressed his disappointment that young men are involved in crime and causing problems in the community, in addition to destroying their future.
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Nyambi advised community members to report any crime as soon as possible. He also urged home and business owners to ensure that their property is safeguarded. Community members were also asked to help one another with security measures and immediately alert the police to any problems if the owners are away.
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Police and the Hawks’ Serious Organised Crime Investigation team also had a major success last Thursday.
Sibusiso Malwane (29) was convicted for possession of illicit and counterfeit goods in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court. He was arrested on May 2 near the Nkomazi Toll Plaza after authorities received information that a bakkie was transporting illicit goods.
The vehicle was stopped and police found 1 242 counterfeit Adidas tracksuits.
Malwane was sentenced to pay a R30 000 fine or spend four years in jail, suspended for three years.
The vehicle used to commit the crime was forfeited to the State.
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An alleged pyramid scheme fraudster was also arrested in Limpopo yesterday by the aforementioned Hawks units in Limpopo and Mpumalanga.
Moreke Lucky Mayane (45) allegedly operated a pyramid investment scheme called Weekly Cash Flow in Embalenhle from 2011. People were urged to invest in the company with the promise that they would receive higher returns on their initial capital.
He continued with the scheme in the Limpopo villages of Nebo and Burgersfort and Lyttleton in Gauteng in 2013.
Investigations revealed that the entity was not registered with the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. He disappeared after learning that several cases of fraud and forgery had been opened against him at several police stations.
A warrant for his arrest was issued and the information circulated to the media, which led to his arrest.
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Members of the public who suspect they are victims of the illegal investment scheme are urged to contact investigating officers Capt Samson Kolobe on 071-481-3126, Capt Robert Mugoru on 082-050-3763 or Col Arthur Modiba on 071-481-6887.
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People looking to invest money should ensure that they invest it with a legitimate company by checking with relevant authorities.
