Beware, Conmen On The Loose
Pini Bothoko | Monday September 11, 2017 16:05
Recently, four Batswana men alleged to have been defrauding people in most of the businesses in Gaborone, were arrested last Wednesday.
In an interview with The Monitor, Botswana Police Service (BPS) public relations officer, assistant Commissioner Witness Bosija said they have of recent been overwhelmed with cases of fraud.
He disclosed that people have lost lots of money after being defrauded by conmen whilst trying to purchase goods.
“The process of purchasing goods in shops is transparent. Customers should learn to get into shops, purchase what they want and pay appropriately and avoid shortcuts,” Bosija said.
He also advised that the process of employing people is transparent and well coordinated, therefore members of the public should not bribe anyone to acquire employment opportunities.
Bosija said in most cases, the conmen pretend to be shop assistants.
“Some of them can go to an extent of claiming to purchase goods on customers’ behalf at staff price and then run away with money. There are instances in which some conmen used fake accounts online or on social media claiming to be selling goods or certain products, demanding deposits and then fleeing with people’s money,” Bosija said.
He pleaded with members of the public to report to the police whenever they encountered the conmen so that the police could trace such people and arrest them.
Bosija said the quartet is currently helping with investigations even though not remanded in custody.
Meanwhile, the police boss disclosed that they have arrested 27 young men on suspicion of theft, especially smash and grab. He said their arrests followed the recent spike in such incidents in and around the city.
He stated that all of them, names withheld, are Batswana aged between 18 and 25 years. He said the suspects were arrested on different locations last weekend, but most of them were arrested at Old Naledi, Mogoditshane and Block 3 being crime prone areas in the city.
“We suspect that these are the same people who have been tormenting people around the city, breaking into their cars at the traffic lights during peak hours and snatch their handbag or other valuables,” Bosija said.
He said that the thieves also have the habit of following people from ATMs after withdrawing money and snatching their wallets or handbags.
Bosija said that it appears that the people at risk are mostly women as they lead the list of victims when compared to their male counterpart. He issued a warning to members of the public, especially motorists, to be alert when they approach traffic lights.
“We are pleading with people to always make sure that their cars are locked and to close their windows when approaching the traffic lights to avoid such instances,” Bosija said. He called on members of the public to put their valuables in a safe place and out of view when driving or parking their cars because when they are visible they are likely to attract thieves.