POTCHEFSTROOM: The North West police strongly warn businesses in the retail and automotive sectors to be vigilant of potential fraudsters posing as legitimate businesses. This followed the arrest of a Mozambican national, Felgio Alexandra Mbanze (24) in Potchefstroom, allegedly in the process of defrauding an unsuspecting store.
Mbanze is remanded in custody following his first appearance in the Potchefstroom Magistrates Court on Monday, 13 October.
Col. Adéle Myburgh, spokesperson for North West police, said the suspect faces charges of fraud, forgery, uttering, theft and possession of stolen property. She said Mbanze reportedly made false representations to get credit at a store. He reportedly approached the store a couple of days before his arrest on Friday, 10 October. Mbanze was arrested by members of the Provincial Commercial Crime Investigation Unit (CCIU).
“The suspect pretended to be a business representative and applied for credit worth R150 000. The complainant became suspicious after the approval of the application for credit, and then registered a case. The suspect was intercepted on Friday, 10 October, when leaving the store with items worth R62 000 loaded on his vehicle,” said Myburgh. She said the items were returned to the lawful store owner while the suspect’s Ford Ranger vehicle and a cellular phone were confiscated as part of the investigation.
Myburgh said Mbanze was expected to reappear in the same court on 21 October to apply for bail.
Major Gen. Patrick Asaneng, acting Provincial Police Commissioner, strongly warned businesses to take precautionary measures. “As we approach the festive season period, it is important for businesses to be extra vigilant and careful of potential fraudsters and swindlers who are well aware of the drive by businesses to maximise their profits. Fortunately, because of an alert employee, this fraudster was apprehended, thus saving the business from incurring loss of much-needed revenue.”
