A man accused of several counts of fraud totalling more than a million rand appeared in court on Friday, 17 February.
According to Amanzimtoti SAPS communication officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, a case of fraud was opened at Amanzimtoti SAPS on 28 November.
On 2 December accused Siphiwe Vusumuzi Gcaba (31) was charged and appeared in Amanzimtoti Magistrate’s Court.
“The accused was linked to several counts of fraud in Amanzimtoti, Kokstad and Umtata areas, amounting to more than a million rand,” said Capt Van der Spuy.
“The modus operandi of the accused was to pretend to be a pastor who travels all over the province to preach. Approaching mostly churchgoers and respected members of the community, the accused claimed he had government tenders and would be able to subcontract to those he approached, in exchange for a certain amount of money to be paid upfront.”
In some instances, Gcaba offered to obtain CK numbers or training for individuals at a cost.
Once the victims had paid over the money, the accused would evade conversations with them, claiming to be in meetings or preaching elsewhere, and not honour agreements.
The case was postponed for further investigation and Gcaba remains in custody.
Anyone who fell victim to Gcaba or has any information on the case, is urged to call the investigating officer, Sergeant Mlaba during office hours on 031-913-1324/44.
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