EC: Port Alfred Cluster Operation Coordinated Committee (OCC) success
Two alleged thieves have been arrested for fraud after ripping off a local butchery of meat worth thousands.
The two suspects aged 36 and 47 will appear in the Port Alfred Magistrates court early next week following their arrest on the weekend. It is alleged that the duo placed an order for a consignment of goods valued at over R17 600 on Friday August 18.
The goods were collected the same afternoon by the suspects. The payment was made via internet, the owner received a proof of payment with a bank letterhead. A repeat order was them placed on Friday for collection on Saturday August 19 at 8am.
The owner did not have stock for collection, however arrangements were made to acquire the stock and the order was confirmed. On Saturday morning the owner went to the bank to confirm the payment. He was then told that the account does not exist and the reference numbers do not exist. He was informed that he had been scammed and defrauded.
He then alerted Port Alfred SAPS, and after the suspects picked up the goods SAPS were informed, and before they could leave Port Alfred the duo were arrested. They have been linked to another similar case.
The community is once again urged not to release any goods unless the bank states that the deposit has been cleared. Another similar incident was reported a month prior.
Enquiries Captain Mali Govender 0827797123