A conman who targeted a woman for her possessions has been arrested, police confirmed.
Spokesperson Captain Jan Sepato said quick response by police after a man fled with a woman’s possessions, led to the arrest of the culprit an hour later.
Sepato said police arrested the man who fled after stealing a woman’s belongings in Nellmapius. “
This was about three weeks ago on Wednesday 19 October. The man gave the woman who was hitchhiking to KwaMhlanga on Soutpan Road a lift and had introduced himself to the women as an advocate,” said Sepato.
He said the man drove off with the woman’s belongings and was arrested, after she alerted the police.
“Police notified other officers in the area over the radio to look out for the vehicle’s registration with a man who fit the description by the woman,” Sepato said.
The man’s vehicle was spotted not far from where the woman was found.
Police stopped the vehicle and cautiously approached it.
Sepato said the man was alone in the vehicle and was arrested.
The man pretended to be on the phone with someone after picking up the woman.
“He told the woman it was his brother in Nellmapius and he had to fetch him.”
The woman agreed to this as she was led to believe it was on their way to KwaMhlanga added Sepato.
“Upon reaching Nellmapius, the man’s vehicle appeared to have a mechanical problem.”
Sepato said the man asked the woman to quickly give the car a push.
“The woman didn’t mind.”
He said as soon as she got out the car, the man drove off with her bags, cellphone and possessions.
Sepato said the man had appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court shortly after his arrest and remained in police custody awaiting a second court date.
“This was not the first theft where victims reported an “advocate” took and fled with their belongings.”
He said another woman was also robbed by an “advocate” recently.
The “advocate” gave a lift to a woman going to Witbank from Hatfield.
They stopped at a petrol station along the way to get drinks.
The man then returned to the car pretending to have forgotten his wallet.
Sepato said the man again disappeared with the woman’s bag, cellphone and valuables which had been left in the car.
“Police are still investigating to see if the man arrested is the culprit in both thefts.”
He said there was a definite pattern and police urged women who asked and needed lifts to be cautious at all times.
The name of the “advocate” was still to be confirmed at the time of going to print.
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