In a newspaper article (Sowetan) dated 7 October 2009, it was reported that police had launched a manhunt for a woman who allegedly defrauded scores of people of more than R1 million using a bogus mining company. The suspect allegedly lured people to invest cash to buy shares in a mining company in which she owned. At the time, the suspect had fled Witbank after defrauding scores of people there.
Acting on information, the Hawks arrested the 37 year-old woman outside Mabopane last night. During the arrest, it was clear that she was still operating using the same modus operandi. Our members found applications to the bogus mining company.
The suspect is believed to have been operating in Pretoria, parts of North West, Mpumalanga and Limpopo. At this stage, the information we have tells us that this lady has allegedly defrauded unsuspecting victims of R330 thousand. There are currently seven cases against her in different areas and provinces. We appeal to people who have fallen foul to this scam to come forward. They can call on the number provided for Colonel Polela provided below.
Enquiries:
Colonel McIntosh Polela
Cell: 082 475 1427
Source: South African Police Service
