Four suspects, three males and a female aged between 29 and 35 were arrested in Reitz after police received information that they were in possession of counterfeit notes and also defrauding people.
It is alleged that suspects would make people take bank loans, promising them that their money will be doubled and that such loans will be canceled at the bank. They apparently also performed rituals for people submitting such requests to the banks and those applying for jobs with promises of promotions to higher posts.
On 14 March 2021 Reitz police mobilized Phuthaditjhaba Tactical Response Team, Bethlehem Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations (Hawks) and Bethlehem Local Criminal Record Centre and conducted an intelligence-driven operation.
On arrival at the identified house, members found three males and women and requested to search the house. During the search, fake R100 notes valued over R17 000-00, and a large amount of cash was found. Upon a further search outside the house, a small traditional hut was found with Bibles and a calabash, also letters of resignation from people requesting to be given luck for money, jobs, promotions to higher positions as well as papers cut to the size of banknotes.
All the items found were seized and kept as exhibits.
The four suspects aged between 29 and 35 were arrested for possession of counterfeit money. They are expected to appear before Reitz Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 17 March 2021.
The Provincial Commissioner of Free State, Lieutenant General Baile Motswenyane urged the community to refrain from allowing fraudsters to take advantage of their desperate situation. She also urged them to report such incidents so as to ensure that those responsible are removed from society.