Mongezi Koko9 November 2024 | 12:48

Two foreign national arrested for operating fraud scheme in Mbombela

On Friday, the Mbombela-based serious commercial crime unit, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Investigation Services and divergent ops, arrested a 38-year-old Ugandan and a 45-year-old Zambian.

Two foreign national arrested for operating fraud scheme in Mbombela

Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) vehicles. Picture: GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - Two foreign nationals have been arrested in Mpumalanga for allegedly operating a fraud scheme and violating South Africa’s Tax and Reserve Bank laws.

On Friday, the Mbombela-based serious commercial crime unit, together with the South African Police Service (SAPS) Crime Investigation Services and divergent ops, arrested a 38-year-old Ugandan and a 45-year-old Zambian.

The men are accused of posing as investors, targeting unsuspecting victims in Mbombela including their landlord, who they convinced to hand over his inheritance with the promise of doubling it.

Police said the suspects also persuaded him to purchase chemicals to "clean" cash notes, leading to their arrest after he reported the scam to authorities.

In a search of the suspects' rented property, officers seized bundles of black paper resembling money, three bottles of chemicals and a safe.

Investigators say the suspects have also been targeting women in the government sector, convincing them to resign and cash out their pensions with promises to “multiply” their money.

Both men are due to appear in court on Monday.

The public is urged to be cautious and report suspicious offers involving money multiplication.