East London – Two suspects, aged 35 and 38, are in custody after being linked to a series of sophisticated ATM scams across the Western Cape, resulting in an estimated loss of R7 million. The pair were apprehended near Peddie on Monday following a multi-disciplinary, intelligence-driven operation led by the East London Serious Organised Crime Investigation team.
Easter Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Avele Fumba, detailed the intricate scheme allegedly employed by the duo.
"The suspects are believed to have been allegedly using a specialised software to withdraw cash illegally from ATMs serviced by Fidelity Cash Solutions. It is reported that one of the suspects will allegedly disguise himself as a Fidelity security guard, armed with a rifle, to allegedly create the illusion of legitimate ATM servicing," said Fumba.
Fumba said the crime committed by the duo prompted the Western Cape police under the commercial crimes unit to activate the Hawks in the Eastern Cape after suspicions that they had moved to the province.
The investigation team, which had tracked the suspects to a guest house in East London, eventually intercepted them on the road between East London and Peddie.
"Acting swiftly, further information revealed that the Hawks tracked the suspects to a guest house in East London where they discovered that they already left the site, travelling in a white Toyota Fortuner towards Peddie. The multi-disciplinary team intercepted the vehicle on the N2 highway, leading to their arrest," explained Fumba.
A search of the car uncovered a laptop which allegedly contained fraudulent ATM-access software and other crucial evidence.
“A search of the car uncovered a laptop allegedly containing fraudulent ATM-access software and other crucial evidence,” he said.
The suspects will appear in the the East London Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday before being transferred to the Western Cape where they will face the charges.
Meanwhile, the provincial head of the Hawks in Eastern Cape, Major General Mboiki Obed Ngwenya assured the public that the unit remains committed to dismantling criminal syndicates and ensuring that those responsible for economic crimes are brought to justice.
In a separate incident highlighting the ongoing battle against fraud and theft, a man was arrested in Parow in the early hours of Sunday morning after being found in possession of a cache of stolen bank cards and mobile phones.
At around 02:00 on Sunday morning, March 16, traffic officers patrolling Voortrekker Road noticed a vehicle without number plates. They stopped the driver and took him into custody after discovering he was using a fake driving licence.
While transporting the suspect’s vehicle to the Parow police station, an officer spotted a black bag on the passenger seat. In the bag, they found 37 bank cards, 17 mobile phones, and over R17,000 in cash.
The driver was charged with fraud and the possession of suspected stolen goods. His vehicle was also impounded. In addition to fraud charges, the suspect faces further legal action over his fake driving licence.
These arrests come amid intensified law enforcement efforts to crack down on crime and road offences in the region.
Over the past week, the Traffic Service made 40 arrests, including:
- 17 for driving under the influence of alcohol
- 5 for reckless and negligent driving
- 18 for other offences
Officers also recorded 54,893 traffic violations, impounded 278 public transport vehicles, and executed 1,896 arrest warrants.
Meanwhile, Law Enforcement officers arrested 260 suspects and issued 8,554 fines, while Metro Police officers made 97 arrests and issued 4,533 fines for traffic and by-law violations.
The Public Emergency Communication Centre recorded 1,697 incidents, including:
- 89 assault cases
- 50 domestic violence reports
- 41 motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents
Authorities continue to intensify enforcement efforts to crack down on crime and road offences in the region.
