[ad_1]
By ANA Reporter 
Oct 3, 2020
PRETORIA – Three suspected scammers exploiting people’s traditional beliefs have been arrested by members of the serious business crime investigation team at the Priority Crimes Investigation Directorate (Hawks) in Pretoria, the Hawks said in Gauteng.
The three suspects, ages 31 to 39, were arrested at Lyttelton on Centurion in Pretoria on Thursday, spokesman Lt. Col. Philani Nkwalase said in a statement.
“The trio allegedly lured unsuspecting victims, preying on their traditional beliefs while usurping their hard-earned money. A 40-year-old contract government employee responded to the ad, seeking financial stability and permanent employment in early August 2020.
“She was allegedly invited to a spiritual cleansing consultation for which she paid 1000 rand. She was later convinced to come back for more cleansing. The victim later withdrew all her savings and parted ways with approximately 223,000 rand in cash which was then given to the labor union”. with the belief that their ancestors would multiply the money in millions [of] rand, “Nkwalase said.
Later, the woman realized that she had been misled and reported the matter to the Hawks in Gauteng for investigation. The arrested suspects were expected to appear in Pretoria Central Magistrates Court on Monday to face fraud charges, Nkwalase said.
The Hawks called on the public to exercise vigilance “while practicing traditional and spiritual sacraments,” as scammers used them to scam unsuspecting victims.
Anyone who may have been a victim of the scam after consulting with the alleged union in Lytteton should contact the investigating officer, Petty Officer Don Barath at 082-319-9446.
– African News Agency (ANA)
[ad_2]
