The South African Police Service (SAPS) are warning residents in the Eastern Cape not to be fooled by fake gemstones sold by dealers in Gqeberha.
Several locals were duped into buying the faux gemstones pawned off as expensive precious stones. A fake gemstone dealer was arrested on July 2 by the Gqeberha Serious Organised Crime Investigation team of the Hawks for defrauding locals.
According to a police statement: “On 09 and 10 March 2021, the victim was defrauded by the suspect who sold to him fake gemstones to the value of R40 000. It is reported that the suspect forms part of a syndicate in Gqeberha that targets innocent individuals by enticing them to either buy or be part of the notorious syndicate.”
The victim reported the incident to police and when the suspect – a 46-year-old man – was spotted, he was immediately arrested.
It has since been established that there are more victims in the area, and the Hawks have urged them to come forward and lay charges.
“The Hawks appeal to anyone who might have been a victim of this scam to come forward and contact the Investigation officer, Warrant Officer Scholtz on 082 303 0477,” the SAPS said.
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