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Media Statement
EASTERN CAPE – The Serious Organised Crime Investigation team based in Eastern London, together with Peddie Visible Policing Unit, Western Cape Crime Intelligence and SAPS Western Cape Commercial Crimes Unit arrested two suspects aged 38 and 35, who were allegedly behind a series of Automated Teller Machine (ATM), fraud incidents in the Western Cape. The duo was intercepted near Peddie on 17 March 2025, following a multi-disciplinary intelligence-driven operation led by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team The suspects are believed to have been allegedly using specialised software to withdraw cash illegally from ATMs serviced by Fidelity Cash Solutions. It is reported that one of the suspect will allegedly disguise himself as a Fidelity security guard, armed with a rifle, to allegedly create the illusion of legitimate ATM servicing. The previous crime allegedly committed is linked to an estimated R7 million loss, prompted the Western Cape SAPS Commercial Crimes Unit to activate the DPCI Eastern Cape on 15 March 2025, suspecting the criminals had moved into the province. Acting swiftly, further information revealed that the DPCI team tracked the suspects to a guest house in East London where they discovered that they already left the site, travelling in a white Toyota Fortuner towards Peddie. The multi-disciplinary team intercepted the vehicle on the N2 highway, leading to their arrest. A search of the car uncovered a laptop allegedly containing fraudulent ATM-access software and other crucial evidence. The suspects will appear before the East London Magistrate’s Court on 19 March 2025 before being transferred to the Western Cape to face charges.
The Provincial Head of the Hawks in Eastern Cape Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya assured the public that Hawks remains committed to dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring that those responsible for economic crimes are brought to justice.
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