The Free State Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit is requesting assistance from the public to trace Junior Bashiru (32) who is a person of interest in two separate fraud cases.
It is alleged that during the first incident in September 2024, a 42-year-old female was approached as a love interest by the alleged suspect. The unsuspecting victim was later persuaded by the suspect to take up a loan of five hundred thousand rands. The victim was allegedly ultimately defrauded over R516 000, which was paid to the alleged suspect on various occasions.
The second incident involving a 51-year-old female was reported in Mangaung in May 2026. The suspect defrauded the victim an amount of approximately R342 000. This is after she took a personal loan when the suspect promised her an equal partnership for a business project. She then gave the money to the suspect with whom she believed she was in a mutual romantic relationship at the time.
Junior Bashiru who is a Ugandan national has been identified as a person of interest who might shed light and assist with police investigations.
Police are urging anyone with information that could help trace Junior Bashiru to come forward. Constable Neo Mothekhe of the Free State Provincial Commercial Crimes Investigation Unit can be reached on 064 039 6968 or contact the #CrimeStop Number on 08600 10111 or alternatively an anonymous tip-off may be sent through the #MySAPSApp.
