| 2024/04/17 |
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Media Statement
POTCHEFSTROOM – A multidisciplinary team entailing Organised Crime, Commercial Crime, Crime Intelligence and Public Order Police (POP) apprehended nine suspects during a takedown operation, on Monday night, 15 April 2024. The suspects, aged between 24 and 61, were nabbed in connection with robbery, fraud and kidnapping cases during the termination of project “Robocop’ that commenced in 2021. The project was registered following incidents wherein victims from different provinces opened cases after either being defrauded, robbed or kidnapped by members of a syndicate that operated in Klerksdorp, Wolmaransstad, Schweizer-Reneke and Huhudi. As part of committing the crimes, the syndicate would advertise a Toyota Quantum on Facebook. Upon getting calls from potential buyers, the suspects would arrange meetings for viewing and test driving of the car. The suspects would further request the victim to bring along cash for payment. Allegedly, some of the suspects who are part of the syndicate, would appear during the transaction and rob the unsuspecting victims of their cash and other valuables. In instances where victims agreed to do electronic transfer, the suspects would withdraw the money immediately and disappear without delivering the vehicle. Undercover investigations led to the gathering of evidence and registration of 27 case dockets, which linked the suspects with the crimes. The suspects are expected to appear before the Vryburg Magistrates’ Court today.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Sello Kwena, applauded all the units for their patience and commitment, which led to the arrest of the suspects who have been conning unsuspecting citizens.
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