THANKS to the vigilance of a local business owner and the quick response of Gingindlovu SAPS, three suspects were arrested on Friday.
Five cloned cards and a skimming device were also recovered.
Last Monday a suspect bought cigarettes to the value of R4 000 at a store in Gingindlovu.
The following day the shop owner was informed by his bank that a cloned card was used for the transaction and the cashier was alerted of the fraudulent transaction.
The same suspect returned to the same cashier for a similar transaction on Friday.
She immediately reported to management and within seconds Gingindlovu detectives and uniformed members rushed to the shop where three suspects were arrested.
One of those arrested is known to have a similar pending case at Mtunzini.
Bank investigators responded within an hour and confirmed five bank cards (‘plastics’) found in the suspect’s possession were cloned.
A skimming device was also found.
The investigation will be continued by the Durban-based Commercial Crime Unit.
