A 30-year-old self-proclaimed pastor from Groblersdal in Limpopo will on Monday appear in court after he was arrested in connection with the fraudulent purchase of a luxury vehicle.
A 30-YEAR-old self-proclaimed pastor from Groblersdal in Limpopo, will on Monday appear in court after he was arrested in connection with the fraudulent purchase of a luxury vehicle.
The man was arrested on Saturday, according to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba.
He said the pastor was apprehended after it was discovered that he had submitted fraudulent documents in his attempt to purchase the vehicle.
“The arrest came as a result of a prompt reaction by the provincial tracking team, which was tipped off about the suspect’s activities,” Ledwaba said.
“The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, was arrested when he arrived at the car dealership in Polokwane after the bank opened a case of fraud.
“During the arrest, the police confiscated the fraudulent bank statement, proof of employment and salary advice.”
Ledwaba said it has been established that the pastor used the details of “an unsuspecting female congregant” to create a profile and forged the documents, in a bid to persuade the bank.
The provincial commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the arrest, adding that the long arm of the law will catch up with offenders.
“The SAPS is committed to rooting out fraud and corruption in all its forms and urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” said Hadebe.
“This arrest sends a clear message that crime does not pay and that the SAPS will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans.”
