By Staff Reporter
ELIM – A pensioner was left devastated after losing R60,000 when she accepted assistance from an alleged female card scammer at an ATM in Elim.
According to the Limpopo Provincial Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the incident occurred on June 29, 2024, when the elderly woman was attempting to withdraw money and sought help from an unknown woman.
“The suspect allegedly helped her complete the transaction and even placed the card and cash back into her handbag,” said Ledwaba.
Unaware of the scam, the victim, who cannot read, proceeded with her shopping. When she later arrived home, her family discovered that a large sum of money had been withdrawn from her savings account.
“Further checks revealed that her original bank card had been swapped with another belonging to an unknown individual,” Ledwaba explained.
Investigations found that the suspect used the stolen card to withdraw money and make multiple purchases amounting to R60,000 at various retail stores in Hubyeni Shopping Centre and later in Makhado.
Initially, the case was closed due to a lack of leads, but new evidence has since emerged, prompting the Waterval Policeto reopen the investigation.
Ledwaba said preliminary findings suggest that the suspect targets elderly and vulnerable victims.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly warned communities—especially senior citizens—to remain vigilant when using ATMs.
“Fraudsters often take advantage of people’s kindness and distractions. We urge the public never to accept help from strangers when withdrawing money and to report any suspicious activity immediately,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect is urged to contact Sergeant Nancy Rikhotsoon 072 752 7794, the Crime Stop number 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS App.
