THE South African Police Service in Uitenhage is cautioning members of the public to be wary of unscrupulous con artists operating mainly in the central business district of the town.
This warning comes after innocent and unsuspecting members of the community were allegedly conned out of their money and belongings by two persons, one of which allegedly claimed to be a police officer.
According to police information, victims allege that they were walking in Market Street, Uitenhage when they were approached by an unknown man who struck up a conversation with them.
“The unknown person will suddenly notice a bag containing a sum of money lying on the ground and he will grab it. Then the conman will inform the unsuspecting victim that they can split the money between themselves. Then the victim is lured to an isolated place,” said police spokesperson Captain Gerda Swart .
“Thereafter, they are joined by a third person who will identify himself as a police officer allegedly investigating this matter. The bogus cop will then threaten the two persons with arrests should they not cooperate with the investigation. The victim is then requested to leave his belongings with the fake cop and go to Young Street, where someone is waiting to take his fingerprints.
“Needless to say, when the victim reaches Young Street, there is no one waiting for him to take his fingerprints. When the victim then returns, the man (fake cop) and his belongings are gone,” said Captain Swart.
Several theft cases have been opened at SAPS Uitenhage since October 2020. Members of the public are warned that these persons are using the SAPS name to swindle innocent citizens out of their belongings and their hard earned money.
The police in Uitenhage will continue to detect and investigate anyone involved in the organized syndicates trying to enrich themselves by stealing from others. Anyone with knowledge of such conmen is urged to report it to Uitenhage SAPS on 041 996 3438 or SAPS Crime Stop number 08600 10111 or send tip-offs on MySAPS App.
