Limpopo elderly woman loses R60,000 after accepting help at an ATM
Limpopo police are on the hunt for a woman who allegedly defrauded an elderly woman at an ATM after offering her assistance.
Provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said on June 29, 2024, the victim was attempting to withdraw money at an ATM when she requested assistance from an unknown black woman.
“The suspect allegedly helped her complete the transaction and even placed the card and cash back into her handbag,” said Ledwaba.
The unsuspecting victim, who is unable to read, continued with her shopping. When she arrived home, family members discovered that a large amount of money had been withdrawn from her savings account.
“Further checks revealed that her original bank card had been swapped with another belonging to an unknown individual,” explained Ledwaba.
Ledwaba said the suspect allegedly stole R60,000 by withdrawing the money and swiping the card at several retail stores at Hubyeni Shopping Centre in Elim.
Subsequent investigations uncovered that the suspect had used the victim’s card to make multiple purchases at various retail stores in the same complex and in Makhado.
Ledwaba added that a case of fraud was registered at Waterval police station and after a while, the case was closed as there were no possible leads.
However, new evidence has emerged, leading to the case being reopened.
Ledwaba said preliminary findings suggest that the suspect may be targeting elderly and vulnerable victims.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly warned communities, especially the elderly to exercise extreme caution when using ATMs and handling cash, particularly as the festive season approaches.
“Fraudsters and thieves often take advantage of people’s generosity and distractions. We urge the public never to accept help from strangers when withdrawing money at ATMs, and to immediately report any suspicious behaviour to the police,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect is urged to contact Sergeant Nancy Rikhotso on 072 752 7794, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News