LEBOWAKGOMO – A CON artist who conned several furniture shops recently is expected to appear before the Lebowakgomo magistrate’s court tomorrow (Thursday) for his bail application.
Nkululeko Mhlanga (35), who is originally from KwaZulu-Natal, was caught at a store in Lebowakgomo last Thursday and appeared briefly before the Thabamoopo magistrate’s court on the same day.
Mhlanga is thought to have swindled several furniture stores in Polokwane, Mokopane and Mookgophong and the police called on furniture stores that might have been defrauded by him to come forward.
Lebowakgomo police spokesperson, Capt Mam-phaswa Seabi, said the suspect had been using fake documents to defraud furniture stores.
“The suspect went into several furniture shops where he would produce fake documents, including identity documents and payslips, to open accounts. After his account had been approved, he would buy the furniture.
“He would rent a place in the particular town where he was ‘purchasing’ the goods and they would be delivered to him to this address. After a few days, he would sell the goods and when it was time for him to pay his monthly instalment, he would disappear,” Seabi explained.
Seabi further said some of the goods had been recovered as well as fake ID’s and cell phones.
Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, James Dikgale at 079 849 2636 or (015) 633 1000.
