Police spokesperson, Stephen Thakeng, says the three people – two men, one female - approached a 59-year old retired Harmony Gold employee at his home in Rheederspark in Welkom, pretending to be officials from the mine on April 1. 

Thakeng says the trio was travelling in a grey 2019 Renault – no mention of the model – with a GP number plate. He says the suspects informed the pensioner that he had not received his entire lump sum, and they were there to ensure the process was completed. 

According to Thakeng, the suspects had documentation that had the miners details which convinced him that they were indeed officials. 

They asked for his bank statement and proceeded to have over R400 000 deposited into his account. They alleged thereafter that he was meant to get R100 000 less and was compelled to refund that R100 000 to them which he then did. 

The pensioner later found out that this was not the case.

Police warn pensioners to be vigilant and rather go to their former place of employment should there be any queries regarding their pensions.

OFM News