IMPOSTER APPEARED IN COURT
The 42 year old accused, Thabo Theletsane appeared before the Hatfield Magistrates court on charges of impersonating a police officer — specifically, the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) and fraud.
National Hawks Spokesperson
Brigadier Thandi Mbambo said
His appearance was as a result of his arrest on Saturday, 10 May 2025 by the National Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks in Petrus Steyn, Free State Province.
In October 2024, the accused allegedly contacted a prominent South African businessman residing in Gauteng via WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, the National Head of the Hawks.
Using a profile picture and personal details resembling those of Lieutenant General Lebeya, the accused deceived the victim. It is alleged that the accused claimed that the mobile phone of the victim had been hacked and, under the pretext of assisting with a security breach, requested the victim’s personal information.
Believing that he was communicating with the real National Head of the Hawks, the victim provided personal details and contact information of close associates. The accused later solicited money, claiming to have successfully “de-bugged” the victim’s mobile devices. An amount that is more than R100,000 was subsequently paid by the victims.
The case was postponed to 15 May 2025, for formal bail application and the accused was remanded in custody.
The community is warned against making payments to police officers as they are not authorised to solicit money for services rendered.