POTCHEFSTROOM - In a collaborative operation, the Provincial Organised Crime unit, Anti-Gang Unit, and Public Order Police (POP) apprehended a 46-year-old man on Friday, November 24, 2023, in Jouberton, outside Klerksdorp, for his alleged involvement in a Facebook fraud scheme.

According to South African Police Service, the arrest followed an incident where a victim was defrauded after responding to an advertisement on Facebook for a Toyota Quantum vehicle. The seller, claiming to be an elderly man wanting to sell his taxis due to age and inability to continue the business, engaged with the victim, who traveled from Welkom in the Free State with family members to Jouberton on November 18, 2023. They were led to an RDP house in Extension 24, Jouberton, by a man who picked them up from Tower Mall.

At the RDP house, the victim met the seller, viewed the taxi, and completed an Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) of R150,000.00 after signing a purchase agreement. However, a twist in the transaction occurred when a group of about seven men, posing as police officers, entered the house demanding the vehicle's registration documents and key. In a dramatic turn of events, the victim and her family managed to overpower the imposters, who subsequently fled. The victim and her family then drove the vehicle to the Jouberton police station and were escorted to the Thabong police station, where a fraud case was opened, and the Toyota Quantum was seized.

Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of the 46-year-old suspect, who is believed to be linked to the fraudulent transaction. He is scheduled to appear in the Klerksdorp Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 27, 2023.

Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, the North West Police Commissioner, commended the team for their diligent work leading to the arrest. He also reminded the community to exercise caution when responding to online advertisements and advised meeting potential sellers in public places for safety.