The Crime Fighters Task Team assisted in the apprehension of a man posing as a ward committee member who was fraudulently collecting funds from businesses within the Newcastle CBD last week.

“We received numerous calls from the business owners in town that there was a male asking for donations on behalf of the mayor and a councillor, and he [the suspect] had paperwork from the municipality in his possession,” says Imran Ghafoor of the Newcastle Crime Fighters Task Team.

“Our members went out to look for him but could not locate him. A photo of the male and paperwork were then given to the mayor who confirmed that the suspect was unauthorised and that the paperwork was false.”

Law enforcement received information that the suspect was back in town. He was located and brought before the mayor, who then again confirmed that he was not authorised to go out and receive donations.

He was arrested immediately and charged with fraud.

“We request that if there is anyone who has given this person money to please immediately contact the Newcastle SAPS. We also thank the Newcastle business people who reported the suspicious activity.”