Two Strand women are expected in court on Monday for allegedly defrauding about 80 victims from around the country of money meant for a promised trip to Thailand.
Investigators attached to the Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit arrested the women, aged 59 and 53, on Friday in connection with fraud amounting to approximately R1.9 million, police spokesperson Malcolm Pojie said.
“Investigation reveals that between June 2022 and July 2024, a total number of 80 victims saw an advertisement on social media platforms about a trip to Thailand.
On the advertisement, it was stated that each person should pay an amount of R26 000, which will include travelling as well as the accommodation costs.
“It is believed that almost all the victims paid the required amount as per agreement into the bank accounts of the two suspects,” Pojie said.
When the victims realised that the trip was not going to materialise, they reported the matter to different police stations across the country including in Gauteng, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
“The cases were centralised in the Western Cape and upon completion the suspects were interviewed and were unable to provide a satisfactory explanation of what happened to the money,” Pojie said.
The two suspects were subsequently arrested at their residences in Strand on Friday and are expected to appear in the Strand Magistrates’ Court on Monday on charges related to fraud, theft and money laundering in terms of sections 4 and 5 of Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act 12 of 2004.
Meanwhile, vigilance of members attached to the Flying Squad in pursuing a vehicle with dark tinted windows, led to the discovery of drugs to the estimated value of about R4.5million on Saturday.
The members who were performing crime combatting patrols in the gang ridden area of Belhar and Ravensmead responded to intelligence received and spotted the suspicious vehicle travelling on Robert Sobukwe Road, gave chase and pulled the car off the road.
“On inspecting the vehicle, the members discovered two bags wrapped in bubble wrap and a sealed box for which the driver could not account for.
As a result, the driver and vehicle was escorted to Ravensmead SAPS where a search of the car and packages were conducted during which it was established that the packages contained 38 plastic bags with 1000 mandrax tablets each as well as 30 plastic bags with uncut cocaine with an estimated value of R4.5 million,” Pojie said.
A 44-year-old suspect was arrested for dealing in drugs. Police say their investigation continues.
Cape Times