Alleged fraud syndicate nabbed in Stutterheim

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Five suspects aged between 26 and 46 are expected to appear before the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, charged with fraud, possession of suspected stolen property, and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Police Spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said they were arrested on Wednesday during an intelligence-driven joint operation involving police units from Komani and Nxuba, alongside CDK Security, Red Guard Security and Guardian Defence Security.

She said the suspected syndicate allegedly targeted businesses across the Chris Hani District by placing large orders, submitting fraudulent proof of payment, and collecting goods without paying.

Mgolodela said in the latest reported incident, a business in Nxuba allegedly lost seeds and fertiliser worth R1.7 million.

Police subsequently received information about another order for 120 bags of fertiliser, each weighing 50kg, from the same business.

Mgolodela said investigators traced a truck believed to be involved in the delivery to Stutterheim.

She said officers followed the vehicle from Nxuba and found five individuals offloading goods at a suspicious location.

They were arrested when they failed to explain their activities.

Police also recovered a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie linked to one of the suspects, and seized another vehicle reported stolen in Gqeberha in September 2023.

The recovered items, which include phones and cash, have an estimated combined value of more than R694,700.

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