Byline: Nonjabuliso Nhlambo

09 January 2024

A former police official, aged 46, and an accomplice, aged 37, were arrested on Monday, 06 January 2025, for allegedly defrauding a 71-year-old woman of her pension money at Dayizenza Complex in Masoyi.

According to reports, on 03 January 2025, the victim was about to withdraw her pension money at an ATM when she was reportedly approached by two females who offered to assist her.

The suspects claimed that there was no network at the ATM and adviced her to attempt to withdraw at a nearby supermarket. Upon arriving at the supermarket, the victim discovered that her bank card had been swapped.

She immediately went to the Hazyview offices to report the incident, only to learn that an amount of R1,700.00 had already been withdrawn from her account.

The matter was reported to the police, and an investigation ensued. The suspects were traced and apprehended on Monday, 06 January 2025. They are charged with fraud.

Both suspects appeared in the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday,08 January 2025. The former police official was previously stationed at Skukuza SAPS.

Former Constable Thembi Aretha Mhlanga (47) granted bail of 1000 rand.
Sarel Sithole (37) was denied bail due to pending cases , She was reminded back in custody

The next court appearance will be on 15 January 2025 at Masoyi periodical court.

The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has also sent a stern warning against those that breaks the law that the men and women in Blue will arrest them without any hesitation ,irregardless of their social status. The General further commended the investigative team for their excellent work in apprehending the suspects whilst
urging members of the public to remain vigilant and be wary not to fall victims to such scams.