34-year-old fraudster arrested

By Busisiwe Mtabane

Police are requesting people who have been victims of a fraudster in Elsies River between July 14, 2005 and June 25, 2006 to come forward as they are investigating a case of fraud. This comes after a 34-year-old man was arrested at Stellenbosch Police station for Impersonating a Director at the National Ministers Office. It is alleged that Martin Fredericks from Blackheath, visited several Police stations in the Boland area between 23 June 2006 and 30 June 2006, identifying himself as a Director from the office of the National Safety and Security.

The suspect appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate's court on Wednesday July 5, 2006 and was granted bail of one thousand rand. The case was postponed until 25th of August 2006. Shortly after his appearance he was arrested at the court for two cases of Fraud that occurred in Elsies River.

It is alleged that he pretended to be an advocate and an estate agent. He offered his services to two clients from Matroosfontein, taking a total of 114-thousand-rand from them. He appeared in the Goodwood Magistrate's court on Friday July 7, 2006 and the case was postponed until Friday July 14, 2006 for a bail application.

Police request other victims to come forward and report the incident to their nearest Police station or contact Superintendent Zanemvula Mkhuzo on (021) 809 50 17.