Two suspects have appeared in the Botshabelo Magistrate’s Court on fraud and corruption charges for promising a man a job at Centlec in exchange for R6,000.

The Hawks received information on Saturday (4/5) about corrupt activities in Botshabelo where a man was pretending to be a Centlec employee. The victim agreed to pay the sum for a job, and made two payments, one for R3,000 and the other for R1,500.

“The suspects started to demand the outstanding amount of R1,500 from the victim, and at this point, the victim discovered the suspect was not employed by Centlec,” said Free State police spokesperson Fikiswa Matoti.

‘Investigation led to an accomplice  working with the suspect’

“The victim reported the matter to the Hawks and an operation was conducted which led to the suspect being apprehended. Further investigation led to an accomplice who was working with the suspect.”

Meanwhile, another suspect will appear in the Reitz Magistrates’ Court on Monday (6/5) on charges of possession of suspected stolen property. The 54-year-old from Gauteng was arrested on Sunday (5/5) with a large quantity of cables when Petrus Steyn police were conducting operations in the early hours of the morning.

The police noticed a suspicious-looking white Volkswagen Caddy with a GP registration traveling slowly on the construction road R707.

‘Upon seeing police lights the driver accelerated’

“Upon seeing the police's blue lights trying to stop him, the driver accelerated until he joined the R57 and finally stopped at a nearby local filling station,” said Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring. “It was discovered the cables could have been stolen in areas of Bethlehem, Paul Roux, and Arlington.”

Centlec said they decided to work with the Hawks to catch scammers who pose as employees of the power utility after several complaints were received from residents.

“We want to warn our customers that they should not fall prey to these kinds of people, as they are scammers trying to rob their hard-earned money. These people should be reported to the police and us as Centlec so that they can be arrested,” said Centlec spokesperson Lele Mamatu.

Centlec werk saam met Valke om swendelaars vas te trek

Report any foul play or suspicious criminal behaviour to the nearest police station or alternatively contact Centlec’s 24-hour fraud hotline at 051 412 2239, or 064 616-5774 or fraudandcorruption@centlec.co.za.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg