Swift action from patrolling police resulted in the arrest of two people shortly after they allegedly withdrew cash from a woman’s bank account. Last Wednesday the woman utilised an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) in Albert Street but experienced difficulty when her bankcard was ‘swallowed’.
She left the ATM and proceeded home to retrieve her Identity Document (ID) but received two alarming SMS’s while on her way. Police spokesperson Captain JS Sokhela explains: “She received a message that R1 000 was withdrawn from her account. “Another SMS showed that a liquor purchase had been made. She went home, got her ID and reported the matter to the bank. She went to the liquor store and viewed the camera and noticed the registration number of the vehicle that was used by the person who bought the liquor. She reported the matter to the police.”
Whilst patrolling in town, police officers spotted the vehicle and after inspecting the contents inside the vehicle, they found alcohol similar to that purchased with the woman’s card. Two people were arrested and appeared in the Estcourt Magistrates Court on Thursday, November 30. “The case will be investigated by the Estcourt Detectives and anyone who witnessed anything is requested to contact the Estcourt Detectives Branch Commander Major Mkhize on 036 342 95152,” commented Captain Sokhela.
