Suspect arrested for selling correctional services jobs
A 44-year-old male was arrested by the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) IIOC Undercover Reaction Unit for fraud and extortion at Southgate Mall.
The JMPD officers received a complaint of a suspect who had promised the public jobs at correctional services and extorted them of their money at the Southgate Mall food court on January 19.
Officers proceeded to the mall after receiving the description of the suspect.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla said officers observed the suspect sitting with two males and two females who were filling in forms.
“The officers approached the suspect who had application forms, academic qualifications, and curriculum vitae of members of the public. When questioned about the forms, he alluded that he is a member of correctional services and had a right to have the forms and collect them from the public.
“Officers then proceeded to the Johannesburg Department of Correctional Services with the suspect to enquire about the application forms.
“They were informed by senior officials that the forms can only be submitted by the applicants in person at the correctional services’ facilities, and no one is allowed to recruit people at malls.
“It was further alleged that the applicants were meant to give the suspect money after he had submitted their application forms. The suspect was arrested and detained at Mondeor SAPS, where a case docket was opened for further investigation,” said Fihla.
The JMPD Acting Chief of Police, Angie Mokasi, commended the officers for their swift action in apprehending the suspect and saving unsuspecting victims from falling prey to the swindler.
