POLOKWANE – A 30-year-old man, Baekane Bush Hlongwane, will remain in custody on a charge of fraud pending his next appearance in the Mankweng Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Hlongwane was arrested on November 21 after a case of fraud was opened and a warrant of arrest was issued by the Mankweng police.

It is said Hlongwane allegedly approached a female victim with a service agreement he claimed was from a well-known funeral parlour.

“The suspect alleged he had been awarded a project to supply water to the mentioned company and that he owned the necessary machinery for the task. The suspect then informed the victim that he required funds for supply and logistics,” police spokesperson Colonel Ledwaba explains.

He says the suspect presented a registered company to the victim and enticed by the proposal, the complainant invested R592,000 into the company’s business account with the expectation of earning a share of the profits.

“When the complainant later inquired about her promised share, the suspect ignored her and ceased all communication. To date, she has not received any money or profits as promised,” Ledwaba says.

He adds that police investigations continue.