Crime
Wife exposes husband’s alleged fake SAPS scam in Jeffreys Bay
In the quiet coastal town of Jeffreys Bay, where early mornings usually mean surfers chasing waves, this Thursday began very differently.
Instead of the sound of the ocean, it was the arrival of police officers that set the tone. A 42-year-old man was arrested in the early hours after allegedly living a double life, one that reportedly unravelled because of a tip-off from the person closest to him, his wife.
According to police, what began as a domestic fallout over alleged infidelity soon turned into something far bigger.
Allegedly posing as a SAPSofficer
Police say preliminary investigations indicate that the man posed as a member of the South African Police Service. He allegedly targeted unemployed and vulnerable young people, promising them job opportunities within the police in exchange for payment.
The charges he now faces are serious: fraud, perjury, and impersonating a police officer.
Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli confirmed that the suspect is expected to appear in the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court soon.
For a town like Jeffreys Bay, the idea that someone could allegedly exploit young people desperate for work has struck a nerve. Jobs are scarce, especially for school leavers and recent graduates. The promise of a SAPS vacancy carries weight, stability, and status. That makes such alleged schemes particularly painful.
Linked to a wider recruitment scam warning
The arrest comes just days after police issued a public warning on 7 February about a fraudulent social media scam circulating mainly on WhatsApp. The scam falsely advertised SAPS vacancies in Jeffreys Bay and even used a fabricated police captain’s name for recruitment enquiries.
While investigations continue, the timing has raised questions locally about how widespread these fake recruitment messages may be.
Across South Africa, fake job ads have become a recurring problem, especially on WhatsApp groups, where messages spread quickly and often appear trustworthy because they come from known contacts. Police have repeatedly stressed that official recruitment processes are never handled through random social media messages that require payment.
A family tip-off leads to arrest
Perhaps the most striking part of this case is who alerted authorities.
Police have praised the suspect’s wife for coming forward with information that led to the arrest. Nkohli urged families and community members to report suspicious or criminal activity, even when it involves someone close to them.
It is a reminder that crime prevention is not just about patrols and investigations. It is about communities speaking up.
What residents should know
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about similar scams to report it. Anonymous tips can be made through Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or by visiting the nearest police station.
For residents of Jeffreys Bay and surrounding Eastern Cape communities, the message is clear: verify before you pay, question social media job posts, and report anything that feels off.
In a country where unemployment remains high and hope is often pinned on the next opportunity, stories like this are sobering. They also underline something else: accountability can begin at home.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Northern News
