Jeppe police arrested a 38-year-old man, who allegedly pretended to be a lawyer.
This after his victim arrived at court for his appearance on 2 January where he was supposed to appear to face a charge of common assault which took place last year.
Jeppe Police Station spokesperson, Captain Richard Munyayi, said the complainant was told that it was the wrong date and he was only due in court on 2 February.
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“As he was leaving, the complainant was approached by the suspect who asked him why he was there and the victim told him of his appearance,” said Munyayi.
“The suspect then asked him if he had a lawyer to represent him and he said he didn’t. The suspect told him he was a lawyer and he could represent him.” The suspect asked him for a payment of R1 500, which the victim paid.
On 2 February, when the victim was due in court, the suspect was not there, and when the complainant called him, his phone was off, said Munyayi.
The victim searched for the man, but with no success – until 21 February when he was at court again and he came across him.
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“When he asked the suspect about the money, he was told he didn’t it and asked him to go with him to the client service centre (CSC) where he said he wanted to make an affidavit promising that he will pay back the money.
“They went to the CSC and the suspect asked for an affidavit and pretended to be writing on it. He later sneaked out of the CSC and got into his car and drove off,” said Munyayi.
The victim got into his car and chased after him until he managed to corner him in the Joburg CBD and took him to Jeppe Police Station.
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The complainant explained the situation to the officers. “The suspect confessed that he is not a lawyer and tried to bribe the officers. They arrested him and charged him with impersonating a lawyer and theft under pretence,” said Munyayi.
“We appeal to anyone who might be the victim of this scam to come forward,” said Munyayi. They can visit Jeppe Police Station and ask for Detective Lieutenant Colonel James Hlongwane or contact him on 072 547 4801 or 011 624 6021.
Details: Jeppe Police Station 011 624 6042.
