Fraudster nabbed by the police while reporting a false case
The man was arrested while trying to report a false car hijacking case after he gave his victims a car as proof that he wouldn’t run away.
An alleged fraudster was arrested when he tried to report a false car hijacking case at the Soshanguve police station recently.
“He gave his victims a car as proof that he wouldn’t run away,” said Soshanguve police Detective Alpheus Taukobong.
The man has been robbing elderly people by selling houses and vehicles that don’t exist, according to police.
His would-be victims asked him to hand over the car while they went to fetch their grandmother to discuss a house she “bought” from him.
“He came to us on foot to report the case and that’s how we caught him.”
Taukobong said the man used a fake name in the commission of fraud.
“The suspect has been using a fake name as well. He is known as Peter Mokwena,” he said.
Taukobong revealed that the man doesn’t work, but he claims to be a lawyer who helps the community to sell and buy houses.
“We found out that he sold a house that was not up for sale. When the buyers were trying to move into their new house, the real owner told them that the house was not for sale,” he said.
He added that the man took advantage of people who didn’t fully understand the law.
“Old people were the victims in most cases.”
The suspect remains in custody while the police try to check whether he is linked with other cases.
Taukobong revealed that more than 20 fraud cases have been opened at Soshanguve police station to date with the same modus operandi being used, where victims are being scammed and they never recover their money or items allegedly sold to them.
They called on possible victims to come forward with information so that they can get help.
“We urge anyone with more information or if you think you are a victim to contact Detective Constable Taukobong or contact SAPS Hotline on 08600 10111,” he said.
The community is urged not to buy properties sold by individuals before confirming that it is safe to do so as these scams are trending.
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