FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR DEFRAUDING BUSINESSES OF MILLIONS

A week ago the SAPS unit, the Hawks received information about a syndicate that has defrauded over a dozen business people using the name of the Public Works Department. A complainant approached us when she got suspicious of a call she received, with an order number asking for delivery of laptops and cellphones to the value of R250 thousand.

Upon investigating, the complainant was told by Public Works that the suspects use the names of their senior officials to lure people into buying goods worth hundreds of thousands of rand. Upon delivery, the suspects disappear with the goods, leaving business people with hundreds of thousands in debt.

The Hawks staged a controlled delivery last night, and arrested one suspect in Central Pretoria who came to collect the order. The suspects led our members to a flat in Sunnyside. Here two more suspects were arrested in the early hours of this morning. Upon searching the flat, our members discovered Department of Public Works, and Land Affair Department letterheads, and orders in a dust bin.

So far, we have able to establish that the suspects have defrauded R3.1 million out of thirteen business people. The Department of Public Works has been looking to solve this crime for the past two years. The suspects are expected to appear at the Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Wednesday. We appeal to more business who have fallen foul to the scam to come forward people to come forward. 

Statement issued by McIntosh Polela, SAPS national media centre, April 19 2011

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