Two suspects arrested for card scamming in Standerton

Police in Standerton, Mpumalanga, in collaboration with a private security company, have arrested two suspects on allegations of card scamming and fraud. The suspects, aged 42 and 37, were taken into custody on Saturday after being linked to a fraudulent scheme operating in the Standerton CBD area.

How the Arrest Unfolded

According to Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, authorities received a tip-off about a suspicious vehicle with Gauteng registration plates. The car was reportedly being used by scammers to carry out fraudulent activities in the area.

Acting on the information, officers were able to track down the vehicle and spotted it parked at a filling station. Upon approaching the scene, police found the two suspects in possession of stolen items, including bank cards and a sum of R1,800 in cash.

Ndubane explained that the money was allegedly withdrawn from the victim’s bank account after her bank card was stolen at an ATM.

Card scamming

“According to further allegations, two suspects robbed a certain lady of her personal belongings, including her bank cards. lt is said that later on, those items were found in possession of the suspects, with R1,800 cash that was allegedly withdrawn from the victim’s bank account,” said Ndubane.

Vehicle Impounded as Part of Investigation

Further investigations revealed that the suspects were using a hired vehicle to commit their crimes. Authorities seized the white Volkswagen Polo Vivo, which was being used in the alleged scam.

Police suspect that the vehicle may have been involved in other criminal activities, and forensic experts are now analyzing it for additional evidence.

Upcoming Court Appearance

The two arrested suspects are scheduled to appear before the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on Monday to face charges of fraud and theft.

Authorities are expected to oppose bail, citing the seriousness of the offense and the possibility that the suspects may be linked to other crimes in the province.

Police Applaud Quick Response

The acting provincial commissioner of police in Mpumalanga, Major General Zeph Mkhwanazi, has welcomed the arrests and praised the swift action taken by the SAPS and the private security company.

“This arrest is a testament to the effective partnership between law enforcement and private security firms in the province. By working together, we can ensure that criminals are brought to justice,” said Mkhwanazi.

The commissioner further urged the public to remain vigilant when using ATMs and to report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.

Warning Against Vigilantism

While commending the arrest, Mkhwanazi also took the opportunity to warn community members against taking the law into their own hands.

“As much as we understand the frustration of crime affecting communities, we urge residents not to engage in acts of vigilante justice. Rather, they should report any suspicious behavior to the police so that justice can be served lawfully,” he said.

The Growing Threat of Card Scamming

Card scamming remains a serious problem in South Africa, with criminals employing various tactics to steal from unsuspecting victims at ATMs. Some of these tactics include:

• Card swapping – Criminals distract victims and swap their bank cards.

• Shoulder surfing – Fraudsters watch as victims enter their PIN codes and later steal their cards.

• Card skimming – Devices are attached to ATMs to copy card details, which are later used to withdraw money.

Authorities have urged the public to take extra precautions, such as:

Never accepting help from strangers at an ATM.
Reporting stolen cards immediately to the bank.

Conclusion

The arrest of the two suspects in Standerton marks an important step in the fight against fraud and card scamming. While police continue their investigations, the public is encouraged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity.

Authorities have assured that those responsible for such crimes will face the full force of the law.