A former police constable and her accomplice appeared in the Kabokweni Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga on charges of defrauding a 71-year-old pensioner. Thembi Aretha Mhlanga, 46, who was previously stationed at Skukuza police station, and her co-accused, Sarel Sithole, 37, were arrested on January 6, 2025, after allegedly committing the crime just days earlier, on January 3. They are facing charges of fraud, which stem from a deceptive encounter that took place at the Dayizenza Complex in Masoyi.
According to the police, the victim, a pensioner, was about to withdraw her monthly pension at an ATM when she was approached by two women who offered to assist her with the transaction. Claiming there was no network at the ATM, the suspects suggested she try withdrawing the money at a nearby supermarket. It was there, upon attempting the withdrawal, that the victim discovered her bank card had been swapped. Realizing she had fallen victim to a scam, she immediately reported the incident to the Hazyview police station. Upon checking her account, she was shocked to find that R1,700 had already been withdrawn.
The police investigation swiftly followed, and within three days, the authorities were able to track down Mhlanga and Sithole, who were arrested in connection with the incident. Mhlanga, who had been released on R1,000 bail, appeared in court with Sithole, who was remanded in custody due to pending criminal cases against him. Their next court appearance is scheduled for January 15, 2025, at the Masote Periodical Court.
The case is just one of many recent instances of pensioners falling prey to fraud. In a separate incident in November, a former company director in Limpopo was arrested by the Hawks for allegedly defrauding a pensioner of R378,000. The fraud took place in 2007 when the victim responded to an advertisement in a business magazine, Succeed, that offered a franchise opportunity for PHD Health Market. The victim was in contact with the suspect, who identified himself as the director of the company. He allegedly claimed that the franchise cost R700,000, with an upfront deposit of R150,000 required to secure it.
Believing the offer was legitimate, the pensioner paid the deposit. Following the payment, she was invited to a meeting in Polokwane with the two directors to discuss the logistics of setting up the business. At the meeting, the accused allegedly promised to assist the victim in securing premises for the franchise, but informed her that an additional R228,000 was needed to purchase equipment for the store. Trusting the director’s assurances, the pensioner paid the further amount, only to later discover that the promised equipment was never delivered.
Both cases highlight a troubling trend in which pensioners, often trusting and vulnerable, are targeted by criminals who exploit their desire to secure financial stability or pursue business opportunities. While the authorities continue to investigate these and other cases of fraud, they urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
As the legal proceedings against Mhlanga and Sithole continue, the broader issue of protecting the elderly from fraud remains a pressing concern. With the increase in sophisticated scams and fraudulent schemes targeting pensioners, both law enforcement and community organizations must work together to raise awareness and strengthen protections for those most at risk. The outcome of these cases will likely serve as an important reminder of the need for caution and vigilance in a world where trust can too easily be manipulated for personal gain.
