Norwood police apprehend fake immigration official trying to scam restaurant
Swift police action exposed a bogus immigration officer trying to con a restaurant owner in Melrose Arch.
A sharp-eyed restaurant owner, quick police response, and shivering body language led to the arrest of a woman posing as an immigration officer at Melrose Arch on the afternoon of August 8.
According to Warrant Officer Eric Masotsha, spokesperson for Norwood SAPS, the suspect arrived at the restaurant wearing an immigration officer’s reflector vest. She immediately asked to speak to the owner and insisted on having a private meeting with him in his office.
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“She looked very suspicious,” Masotsha explained. “We received a call from the owner, and Sergeant Alugumi Tshikororo and I quickly drove to the scene to verify if she was really from the immigration office. When we arrived, her body language told its own story – she was already shivering.”
The officers asked the woman for identification or a service number, but she was unable to provide either. A call to the immigration head office confirmed that no such officer existed on their records.
“She eventually confessed she was just trying her luck after a friend told her he once conned the same restaurant owner with no disruption,” Masotsha said. The restaurant owner confirmed this, saying that he fell victim last year to a similar scam, losing R45 000.
The suspect was arrested on the spot for impersonating an immigration officer and attempted extortion. Her rights were explained, and she was placed in custody without visible injuries.
Masotsha urged all business owners and members of the public to remain vigilant. “We encourage everyone to report bogus government officials. You have the right to ask any person claiming to be from a government department for proof of their employment.”
Police are appealing to anyone approached by suspicious individuals to call 081 001 0111 or 011 483 4609/14.
“This incident shows how quick action can stop criminals in their tracks,” Masotsha concluded.
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