Wendy Dondolo|Published
Five suspects aged between 26 and 46 are expected to appear in the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on Thursday after being arrested in connection with an alleged R1.7 million fraud scheme targeting businesses in the Eastern Cape.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday during an intelligence-driven operation in Stutterheim, following an investigation into allegations that a syndicate ordered large quantities of goods from businesses and used fake proof of payment to collect them without paying.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) said the arrests followed an incident at a business in Nxuba where seeds and fertiliser worth approximately R1.7 million had allegedly been taken.
The suspects face allegations of fraud, possession of suspected stolen property and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
Business allegedly targeted with another fertiliser order
Police spokesperson Captain Yolisa Mgolodela said information about the alleged syndicate was received on October 19, with investigators learning that the group had allegedly been targeting businesses across the Chris Hani District.
The latest reported incident involved a business in Nxuba, where the alleged fraud resulted in the loss of seeds and fertiliser valued at R1.7 million.
“A case of fraud was opened,” Mgolodela said.
Police subsequently received information that another order had been placed with the same business for 120 bags of fertiliser, each weighing 50kg.
Investigators identified a local truck that was expected to collect the goods and transport them to Stutterheim on October 21. The truck was traced to one of the five suspects, who resides in Ezibeleni.
Suspects allegedly caught offloading truck
A joint operation involving the Komani Dog Unit (K9), Komani Crime Intelligence, Komani Flying Squad, Nxuba K9 and private security companies CDK Security, Red Guard Security and Guardian Defence Security was launched.
Police followed the truck from Nxuba to Stutterheim, where it was found at a suspicious location with five individuals allegedly busy offloading its contents.
“The individuals could not provide an explanation for their suspicious activities and were arrested for possession of suspected stolen properties,” Mgolodela said.
During the operation, officers also recovered a white Isuzu double-cab bakkie with Eastern Cape registration plates.
Mgolodela said investigations revealed that the vehicle had allegedly been used in the commission of a crime and had been reported stolen in Gqeberha in September 2023.
A case docket was opened in Stutterheim for possession of suspected stolen property and possession of a suspected stolen motor vehicle.
Truck, fertiliser and stolen bakkie recovered
Police recovered an eight-tonne Fuso truck, the white Isuzu double-cab bakkie, 120 bags of fertiliser weighing 50kg each, two cellphones and an undisclosed amount of cash.
The total value of the recovered items was estimated at more than R694 700, according to SAPS.
The recovery forms part of the investigation into the alleged fraud involving the Nxuba business.
District commissioner warns criminals
Chris Hani District Commissioner Major General Rudolph Adolph praised the police officers and private security personnel involved in the operation.
Adolph warned criminals against underestimating the investigative capabilities of police officers and expressed his gratitude to the private security companies that assisted in the arrests.
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Stutterheim Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 22, in connection with the allegations.
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