Man arrested after scamming Dept of Arts & Culture employee of 200K

Estimated reading time: 6 minute(s)

The Police Limpopo have confirmed an arrest of a scammer who allegedly scammed a government employee of R 200 000 on December 23, 2022 after promising her double the money in return.

Police Spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said the 37 years old suspect approached the Department of Arts & Culture employee about money amounting to R 2.5million that was stained either black dye and needed about R 200 000.00 to buy chemicals to have the dye washed off.

He in return, promised the victim R 200 000 extra, R 400 000 in total as soon as he is done washing the money.

Unsuspecting to any malice, the victim withdrew the requested money, 200K to hand over to the suspect.

“Afterwards, the victim made a withdrawal of R200,000 and gave it to the suspect with the hope to acquire more money. The suspect left the victim with another fraudulent money which was put inside the safe to assure that he will come back to pay back the money as agreed.”

“The victim started to be suspicious about the arrangement and reported the matter to the police who immediately commenced with the investigations.”

The man went on to call the victim for more money, R 400 000 this time around and she agreed to give him the money.

Unbeknownst to the suspect, she had collaborated with the police this time to set up a trial for him.

“During his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of counterfeit black money with substances or chemicals alleged to wash away the black dye stains including the remaining R161,000 in cash which belonged to the victim.”

“Further police investigations revealed that the suspect was in the country illegally and an additional charge of Contravention of Immigration Act was also included at the time of his arrest.”

Colonel Malesela added that the suspect will appear before the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court soon facing charges of fraud, illegal immigration and possession of counterfeit money.