Three phoney health inspectors arrested in KZN

Three suspects were arrested on Monday in Port Shepstone, KZN after they allegedly misrepresented themselves and pretended to be health inspectors from the department of health.

The Port Shepstone SAPS opened a case of fraud following the arrests.

KZN SAPS spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele said the suspects had approached a supermarket on Nelson Mandela Drive in Port Shepstone on Friday, May 10, and proceeded to check the expiry dates of various items.

“They allegedly further requested the storekeeper to make a cash payment to them. The owner of the store then contacted the department to confirm the visit. This resulted in the three suspects fleeing in their vehicle,” Mbele said.

Mbele said the three suspects were arrested in Hibberdene after they were spotted by vigilant residents.

“A vehicle with false registration plates, reflective jackets, fraudulent documents from the department of health, identity cards, as well as stamps found in the suspects’ possession, were seized. The vehicle used by the perpetrators was hired and fitted with the fake department of health signage,” Mbele said.

Mbele said the suspects, aged between 34 and 38, are expected to appear in the Port Shepstone Magistrates Court on 15 May 2019.

“They face charges of extortion and fraud. We want to thank those that were vigilant and alerted police to these fake health inspectors.”