The Port Elizabeth Vehicle Crime Investigating Unit (VCIU) arrested a wanted suspect Samuel Chitja (60) for fraud and theft of motor vehicle. The VCIU acted on information received of the possible whereabouts of the suspect and during the early hours of Tuesday morning, 19 March 2019 at 00:30, a search warrant was executed at a house in Matsha Street, Kwazakhele.
The suspect was arrested on the warrant of arrest on a Mount Road case where it was alleged that on 24 October 2018, the suspect approached a dealer in Cape Road, Newton Park and enquired about a Ford Ranger Wildtrak vehicle. He requested a quote and made contact several times with the salesman. He then alleged that he is waiting for monies to be cleared from a Trust Fund. He then produced all the necessary documents so that the sale could be finalised. All of these documents including bank statements were false. On 3 November 2018, he produced a bank document verifying proof of payment. The vehicle valued at R 453 490 was released to him.
On Monday, 5 November, the dealership realised that there was no funds in the account nor was there a trust fund.
Furthermore Chitja was linked to another Mount Road case of theft of motor vehicle where it was alleged that on 21 February 2019, Chitja also approached another car dealership in Uitenhage Road, Sydenham. It is alleged that he approached the salesman and showed interest in a Renault Sandero 2018 model.
On 26 February 2019, the suspect returned to the dealership and requested to test drive the vehicle and to meet a relative near Greenacres who was interested in the vehicle. He explained that she was at her work place. They drove the vehicle to Greenacres and the suspect offered an excuse to the salesman and suggested that while waiting they should go and have coffee. While having coffee, the suspect allegedly received a call and informed the salesman that he was going to fetch his relative who was outside.
That was the last the salesman saw the suspect and the vehicle which is valued at R180 000.
Police suspect that he may be linked to 8 eight cases of Fraud and theft of motor vehicle. He is alleged to have committed Fraud in Cambridge area in March 2014.
The estimated total value of the fraud amounts to R2 000 000.
Samuel Chitja appeared in the Port Elizabeth magistrates’ court on Tuesday, 19 March and is remanded until the 25 March 2019 for verification of his identity.
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