Bogus immigration official caught at Melrose Arch
Quick-thinking police stop a suspected impostor trying to scam a local restaurant owner.
On the afternoon of August 8, Norwood police at Melrose Arch quickly apprehended a woman who was posing as an immigration officer.
Read more: Mayor Mashaba to address committee on immigration
According to Warrant Officer Eric Masotsha, of Norwood SAPS, the officers received a tip about a suspicious individual claiming to be from the immigration office. When the officers arrived at the scene, the woman attempted to flee but was apprehended immediately.
She had reportedly tried to inspect the documents of a restaurant’s staff. However, upon police intervention, she admitted that she had no official credentials and attempted to escape with her accomplices. Verification from the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that she was not employed by them.
The suspect is currently in custody and faces charges of impersonation and attempted extortion. The police urge business owners to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from a government institution. Any suspicious activity should be reported to 081 001 0111 or 011 483 4609/14.
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