Four bust with ’funny money’
The four people suspects were found in possession of fake banknotes worth R17,000. They are also alleged to have defrauded people.
CAPE TOWN, March 15 (ANA) – Free State police have arrested four people, including a woman, for possession of counterfeit notes and fraud.
In a statement released on Monday, provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Motantsi Makhele said the suspects, aged between 29 and 35, were arrested in Reitz.
Makhele said the suspects are alleged to have made people take out bank loans with the promise of doubling their money and allegedly claiming such loans would be cancelled at the bank.
The group is also alleged to have performed rituals for people submitting requests to the banks and those applying for employment and promises of promotions to higher posts within the companies where they work.
Makhele said the four suspects were arrested on Sunday after an intelligence operation was led in collaboration with Reitz police, Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team, Bethlehem Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) and Bethlehem Local Criminal Record Centre.
“On arrival at the identified house, members found three males and a woman and requested to search the house. During the search, fake R100 notes valued at over R17,000 (about US$1,100) and a large amount of cash were found.
“Upon a further search outside the house, a small traditional hut was found with Bibles and a calabash, also letters of resignation from people requesting to be given luck for money, jobs, promotions to higher positions, as well as papers cut to the size of banknotes,” Makhele said.
The suspects are expected to make their court appearance on Wednesday, March 17, at the Reitz Magistrate’s Court for the possession of counterfeit money.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Baile Motswenyane urged the community to refrain from allowing fraudsters to take advantage of them and their desperate situations. She also urged residents to report fraudsters or similar incidents.
– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher