POSING as a policeman from Empangeni, a man is making money off the families of prison detainees in the eShowe and Empangeni area.
For a fee, he promises to assist them with getting their family member released from custody.
He identifies himself as Lieutenant Mavundla and asks for money to be sent via money transfer facilities at supermarkets.
He tells the families he is the only person with the authority to release their relatives, said Empangeni SAPS spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose.
‘This man is impersonating Lt Mavundla who works in the Empangeni cluster,’ said Mdlalose.
‘But the real Lt Mavundla is not involved.’
The fake cop has been operating since last year.
On Monday, the suspect called the Stanger Station Commander asking for information on detainees currently in custody.
Money transfer facilities at most supermarkets do not require identification for collection.
If you wish to transfer money, you have to provide an ID, the cell phone number of the person you are sending money to and a four digit PIN.
When collecting, all you need is the cell phone number and the PIN, which is provided by the person who sent the money.
Empangeni SAPS are urging members of the community to be cautious before parting with money and to report any people asking for money to Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
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