By Kaya 959 Reporter
A 65-year-old man who pretended to be a Hawks detective is due to appear in the Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
He allegedly charged people for private investigation services.
The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in the Vaal Rand received intelligence about a suspicious man.
The man allegedly submitted fictitious payslips as proof of payment at a guesthouse in Heidelberg for rental approval.
Hawks spokesperson, Captain Ndivhuwo Mulamu, says he also made false claims about his job title.
“It is alleged that the suspect introduced himself as a Hawks private investigator as well as a licensing department administrator to Heidelberg community members for requested services,” Mulamu says.
She says a further investigation revealed that in the past three years, the complainants paid monies for services required.
The man allegedly failed to render the services.
The Hawks and various other units conducted an intelligence-driven operation on Wednesday. They pounced on the suspect at a guesthouse in Heidelberg.
“Police executed a search and seizure warrant which resulted in electronics, sim cards, identity documents and bank cards seized for further investigation.
“The suspect was subsequently charged with fraud, police impersonation, and theft under false pretences,” Mulamu says.
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