A 26 year old female suspect will appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court today where she will be charged with fraud after she was found impersonating the City of Johannesburg debt collectors.
The suspect was arrested early this week and appeared in the Hillbrow Magistrate’s Court for the same offence. She was charged for committing fraud to the value of R60 000. Today she will be charged for fraud worth R70 000.
The arrest of the suspects follows an investigation by the City’s Group Forensic and Investigation Service (GFIS) department and the South African Police Service (SAPS).
It is alleged that the suspect used the name of the City of Johannesburg to defraud unsuspecting members of the public by sending them emails alleging that they are attorneys and debt collectors for the City.
In August last year, a resident from North Riding was sent an electricity, rates and taxes bill of about R430 000 by the suspect. The suspect demanded a down payment of R70 000 from the victim or cut off electricity supply to his property. The suspect was operating as Barlow Attorneys and NHoole Inc.
Last year two suspects were arrested while operating as Jacobs Inc Attorneys and Barlow Attorneys. These suspects work with our officials who provide them with information of municipal accounts that are in arrears.
I’m appealing to anyone who might have paid monies to NHoole Inc, Jacobs Inc Attorneys and Barlow Attorneys to please come forward. The information will assist our law enforcement officials as they continue to investigate this case.
Corruption has no place in this administration and we will work tirelessly, and in collaboration with institutions such as the Hawks, Saps and all other institutions within the criminal justice system to ensure that the residents of Johannesburg receive the quality services they deserve.
I would also like to encourage people to report any fraud and corruption activities through our 24hour tipoff hotline 0800 002 587 or visit GFIS offices situated at 48 Ameshoff Street, Braamfontein.
Cllr Herman Mashaba
Executive Mayor
City of Joburg
For further information contact,
Lucky Sindane
Director: Strategic Stakeholder Management
Group Forensic and Investigation Services
Cell: 065 865 0696
Email: LuckySi@joburg.org.za
