The SAPS has issued a warning to the community following reports of a scam involving an individual posing as a police officer.

According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan, they recently became aware of an incident in which a community member, who had been arrested for drunken driving, received a phone call from a man identifying himself as ‘Constable Ngubane’.

Suspect demands cash to ‘make case disappear’

Khan explained that the scam artist offered to make the case ‘disappear’ in exchange for a cash payment sent electronically. To convince the victim, the caller allegedly sent an image of a computer screen displaying personal and case-related information of the accused.

“This is a serious matter of impersonation and fraud,” said Khan.

No officer by that name at Ladysmith detectives

The SAPS has confirmed that there is no person by the name of Constable Ngubane attached to the Ladysmith Detective Service or any local unit.

“The public is advised to treat any communication from this individual as fraudulent and to immediately terminate such conversations,” Khan cautioned.

Public urged to remain vigilant

Police are currently investigating the matter and urge community members to remain vigilant.

“Clients are strongly advised to only communicate with their officially allocated investigating officer and to report any suspicious calls or messages to the nearest police station,” Khan added.

Anyone who may have been contacted by this scammer or who has information in this regard is encouraged to come forward to help with the investigation.

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