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The Hawks have arrested three suspects for allegedly defrauding a woman out of more than 200,000 rand by taking advantage of her traditional beliefs.
The Hawks have arrested three suspects for allegedly defrauding a woman out of more than 200,000 rand by taking advantage of her traditional beliefs.
The suspects allegedly placed an advertising offer to help with traditional cleanings, to which a 40-year-old hired government employee responded.
“[She] she responded to the announcement seeking financial stability and permanent employment in early August 2020. She was allegedly invited for a spiritual cleansing consultation, for which she paid 1,000 rand, “said police spokesman Lt. Col. Philani Nkwalase.
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She was later convinced to come back for more cleaning, she said.
“Subsequently, the victim withdrew all his savings and parted with approximately R223,000 in cash which was then given to the union in the belief that his ancestors would multiply the money by millions of rand.”
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When she realized she had been misled, she reported the matter to the Hawks in Gauteng.
The suspects, aged between 31 and 39, were arrested at Lyttelton in Centurion, outside Pretoria, on Thursday. They are expected to appear in Pretoria Central Magistrates Court on Monday.
“The Hawks calls on the public to exercise vigilance while practicing traditional and spiritual sacraments, as scammers use them to scam unsuspecting victims. Those who may have been victims and consult with the alleged Lytteton-based union , Pretoria, should contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Don Barath at 082 319 9446, “said Nkwalase.
