MAN ARRESTED FOR IMPERSONATING HAWKS BOSS AND FRAUD

Photo: Crime Scene Logo

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By: Neo Ntsele

Thabo Theletsane 42, appeared in the Hatfield Magistrates court on Monday 12, facing charges of fraud and impersonating the national head of Hawks, Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya.

He was arrested on Saturday 10, by the National Serious Corruption Investigation of the Hawks in Petrus Steyn.

Hawks spokesperson, Brigadier Thandi Mbambo, said in October, Theletsane allegedly contacted a prominent businessman residing in Gauteng via WhatsApp, falsely claiming to be Lieutenant General Lebeya.

"Using a profile picture and personal details resembling those of Lieutenant General Lebeya, the accused deceived the victim. It is alleged that the accused claimed that the mobile phone of the victim had been hacked and, under the pretext of assisting with a security breach, requested the victim’s personal information," said Mbambo.

She added that the victim believed that he was in communication with Lieutenant General Lebeya and provided Theletsane with his personal details and contact information of close associates.

"The accused later solicited money, claiming to have successfully de-bugged the victim’s mobile devices. An amount of more than R100,000 was subsequently paid by the victim," said Mbambo.

Theletsane case was postponed to Thursday 15 ,for formal bail application and he remanded in custody.

"The community is warned against making payments to police officers as they are not authorised to solicit money for services rendered," concluded Mbambo.