Parow fraudster arrested, found with banks cards and cellphones

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith has urged Capetonians to be alert of their surroundings when driving and visiting an ATM, as fraudsters are still very active, and one can quickly fall victim.

This comes after City Traffic Officers arrested a suspect in Parow in the early hours of Sunday morning after he was found in possession of stolen bank cards, cellphones and a fraudulent driving licence.

It is alleged that the traffic officers on patrol along Voortrekker Road at around 2am when they spotted a car without number plates. They stopped the driver and took him into custody for possession of a fraudulent driving licence.

While driving the vehicle to the Parow police station, one of the officers noticed a black bag on the passenger seat containing 37 bank cards, 17 cellphones, and more than R17 000 in cash. The driver was charged with fraud and possession of possible stolen goods and the car was impounded.

“This incident should also serve as a reminder to us all that fraudsters are very active, and how quickly one can fall victim. If you suspect any breach of your bank account, please act immediately by reporting it to your bank, but also the police” said Smith.

“This incident is the latest in a long list of examples where seemingly benign transgressions have taken people from the driving seat to a cell. Apart from the fraud charges, the suspect also faces additional charges relating to his fake driving licence,” added Smith

In general enforcement in the past week, the Traffic Service made 40 arrests – 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol, five for reckless and negligent driving and 18 for other offences.

Officers also recorded 54 893 offences, impounded 278 public transport vehicles and executed 1 896 warrants of arrest.