Dramatic police swoop nets suspects
Police said the scam involved a bid to purchase the vehicles on behalf of the Department of Water Affairs using fraudulent documents
At least eight arrests were made last night following a dramatic police swoop on a gang who had fraudulently ordered 12 4×4 Toyota vehicles in a complex scam involving millions of Rands.
A SAPS Task Team from Ladysmith and Newcastle, including members of the special Hawks Unit and security officers, made the arrests at around 5.30pm as the suspects were entering the municipal storeroom on Union Street.
Officials from Toyota South Africa were also present.
It is understood that a municipal employee was used as a middleman during the operation. Passers-by described how the men were secured with cable ties and made to lie down.
They were then taken to the Dundee SAPS to be charged. Police said the scam involved a bid to purchase the vehicles on behalf of the Department of Water Affairs using fraudulent documents. The case has been transferred to the police in Potchefstroom and the investigation is continuing.
