Have you been approached by a man who claims to be desperately seeking funds for a severely ill child? Have you also read through the donation form and felt a tug at your heart strings?

Well, many locals have encountered this man, who calls himself Riaan. He was in Estcourt last year and made another appearance last week, spinning a tale about his sick four-month-old baby boy who was born without a palate.

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When Riaan approaches individuals and businesses to solicit donations, he also explains that the child needs a feeding tube, which is essential for his survival and this costs R11 000.

According to the donation form, the child has one month more to use the tube. The man also produces a signed letter from Pastor SWM van der Heever from the Elim Pentecostal Church in Mooi River.

On this basis, he implores locals to donate towards buying the feeding tube. When Riaan called in at Mortimer Toyota last week, Barend Hannekom’s suspicions were raised when he read through the exact form he was shown last year, with the same time frames and costs.

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The man was asked to leave the forms behind and details will be verified, he never returned.

“I did investigations and found out that the church does not exist, nor does the place he said he worked at,” explained Mr Hannekom.

During his recent trip to Estcourt, Riaan solicited R2 000 from locals.

“I advise residents to be careful. It seems like this man is using a child as a money-making factor,” added Mr Hannekom.

He described Riaan as being slim with bangles on his wrist. Please contact Mr Hannekom on 036 352 3045 if you have further information about this matter.

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