Members of the community are cautioned about a current scam taking place in the Durban area where a person claiming to be ‘Colonel Van Niekerk’ from Provincial Head Office would call people and tell them they have a rape case against them and a warrant of arrest has been issued. He would promise to assist them to evade arrest if they pay him an amount of money.
In a recent incident a potential victim was told that he was a suspect in a rape case and the sex worker who was not paid for services had opened a case of rape. The victim was told to pay the escort agency an amount of R3000-00 in order to evade prosecution as a warrant of arrest was issued. The victim knew that he was not a suspect in any case of rape and was surprised by the whole ordeal.
We are appealing to the community not to fall victim to such scams. Under no circumstances will a police officer will ask for money from suspects or the victims of crime.
Victims of such scam or any other scam are urged to report to their nearest police station or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
South Africa Today – South Africa News
