Fake doc on the run after fleeing Pretoria police custody

Police are on the hunt for a fake doctor who recently escaped custody.

Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo says the police stationed in Lyttelton are on the hunt for an escaped accused known as ‘Dr Kingsley Leeto Chele’ or ‘Dr KJ Ncube’.

Masondo explains the man was masquerading as a doctor and targeted women.

“The police in Lyttleton, Tshwane district, have launched a manhunt for an escaped accused named Kingsley Leeto Chele, allegedly a Facebook con artist.

“He targets women by misrepresenting himself as a doctor or a pharmacist, and scamming them of their hard-earned money.”

Masondo says the bogus doctor’s operation was to contact health professionals on Facebook and engage them, pretending to seek investors. He adds his modus operandi intended to swindle the victims out of thousands of rands for projects that did not exist.

“He was arrested by the police on October 2 on two cases of fraud that were registered in Sunnyside and Klipgat in June. His bail was denied when he appeared before the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, and he was remanded in custody until his next appearance on October 17,” explains Masondo.

The escape

He says Chele managed to escape from lawful custody when the police were cataloguing his household items at his residence. “He has been on the run since.”

Masondo adds police had on Wednesday managed to rope in some of his assets through the asset forfeiture unit. He says property and a 2023 VW Golf GTI were attached as it is believed to have been accumulated as proceeds of his crimes.

“The police have registered a case of escape from lawful custody at SAPS Honeydew.”

Masondo says anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Captain MS Motolla, on 082 715 9583 or the Crime Stop number: 08600 10111.