According to the police spokesperson, Motantsi Makhele, the four, who are said to be foreign nationals, were apprehended during a covert operation led by various teams at Reitz near Phuthaditjhaba. He says it's alleged that these suspects would make people take bank loans, promising them that their money will be doubled and that such loans will be cancelled at the bank. Whilst in the process of allegedly defrauding the said victims, the four would apparently also perform rituals for people submitting such requests to the banks and those applying for jobs with promises of promotions to higher posts. Makhele says that upon a further search outside the house, a small traditional hut was found with Bibles and a calabash. There were also resignation letters from people.

These letters had requests by people wanting to be given luck for money, jobs, and promotions to higher positions. Papers cut to the size of banknotes were also discovered.

“All the items found were seized and kept as exhibits. The four suspects, aged between 29 and 35, were arrested for the possession of counterfeit money. They are expected to appear before the Reitz Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 17 March 2021,” he adds.

The crime intelligence operation was led by the Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team (TRT), Bethlehem Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks), and Bethlehem Local Criminal Record Centre on Sunday 14 March 2021 at about 19:20.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Police Commissioner, Baile Motswenyane, has urged residents to refrain from allowing the alleged fraudster to take advantage of their desperate situation. Motswenyane also urged them to report such incidents so as to ensure that those responsible are removed from society.

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