MOKOPANE – The Mookgophong police arrested two men, aged 34 and 46, in connection with a fraud case involving a fictitious order of meat to the value of R1.2 million.

On April 20, the manager of an agricultural hub in Mookgophong received a call from a man who identified himself as an employee of a certain catering company.

He placed an order for meat to the value of R1.2m and indicated that payment would be made via electronic transfer with proof of payment to be provided.

The next day, fraudulent proof of payment was forwarded, and the document was submitted to the company’s finance division for verification.

The matter was reported to the police, and an intelligence-driven tactical operation was initiated.

The suspects were, however, led to believe by the manager in cooperation with the police, that the payment had been received and delivery arrangements were coordinated.

On April 23, a truck loaded with boxes disguised as meat was dispatched to Gauteng under police surveillance to the delivery location.

Upon arrival, a man entered the truck and directed the driver to the delivery address, while a second man later approached the truck and guided the driver to a parking area to offload.

Both men were apprehended and will appear before the Naboomspruit Magistrate’s Court facing a charge of fraud.

Police investigations continue.