law enforcement officials have apprehended a 42-year-old suspect in Petrus Steyn, Free State, on charges of fraud and impersonating the National Head of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI).
The suspect is set to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Monday, following allegations of deceit involving a prominent Gauteng businessman.According to police reports, the suspect reached out to the businessman via WhatsApp last year, portraying himself as Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya, the Hawks’ national leader.
Under the pretext of assisting with a supposed security breach, he claimed that the businessman’s mobile phone had been hacked and solicited sensitive personal information, effectively trapping the victim in a sophisticated scam.
“Believing that he was communicating with the real National Head of the Hawks, the victim provided personal details and contact information of close associates,” said Hawks’ national spokesperson, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, highlighting the alarming tactics employed by the fraudster.
Following this breach of trust, the suspect allegedly solicited over R100 000 from the victim, claiming to have successfully ‘de-bugged’ the businessman’s mobile devices.The incident has not only raised concerns about individual security but has also drawn a stern warning from the Hawks regarding the solicitation of payments by police officers.
Brigadier Mbambo cautioned communities against making any such payments, stating, “Police officers are not authorised to solicit money for services rendered.
“The apprehension of the suspect marks a significant development in the ongoing fight against fraud, with Lieutenant General Lebeya expressing relief at the outcome. “I am happy that the individual who pretended to be myself has now been caught,” he remarked, urging any further victims to come forward and report their experiences.