NELSPRUIT – A 28-year-old security guard, Lucky Vala, appeared at the Standerton Magistrate’s Court on 02 September 2020, on various charges including, fraud, theft as well as impersonating a senior prosecutor. The suspect was arrested on, 01 September 2020, at Standerton during a police operation.
According to information received, Vala, who is stationed at Standerton Magistrate’s Court, is accused of soliciting bribes under false pretense, from unsuspecting members of the public to reduce their traffic fines. He would apparently lure them (public) by pretending to be a senior prosecutor, take their money, then go to a private office to reduce the fines illegally.
His cover was blown when several complaints were made from people who had not received their receipts as proof of payment. The matter was then reported to the police, who in turn instituted an operation into the matter leading to the suspect’s arrest. During the arrest, Vala was found in possession of traffic fines, date stamps as well as reduction affidavits.
Vala was remanded in custody and will appear at the same court on, 03 September 2020 for a formal bail application.
