Police searching for bogus home buyers

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joas Phokungwane said the women have been spotted in Bedfordview and Alberton. Police believe the two suspects are operating in both Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni, Alberton Record reported.

“The suspects reportedly pretend to be interested in buying a house and arrange visits to properties that are for sale but are not yet vacant. They accompany the real estate agent through the house, and while one distracts the agent, the other woman steals any valuables that are easily transportable,” added Phokungwane.

He said homeowners should be extra careful when showing clients through the house, as there are strangers who target valuable goods.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects is encouraged to contact police 082 441 2794.

Police launched a manhunt for four women who took items from two houses in the west of Pretoria while posing as would-be home buyers in January.

“They entered a house on sale in Mountain View pretending to be viewing the house. One woman asked to see other parts of the house while the others allegedly stayed back and took what they could,” said Hercules police spokesperson Captain Bonginkosi Msimango.

The women were believed to be driving a Silver Toyota Yaris and were accompanied by a male.

In Erasmia, the women allegedly asked to use the toilet of the house they robbed, added Msimango.

– Caxton News Service