Three nabbed with R1m may be linked to ‘black magic’ con

THREE suspected con artists believed to be part of a “black magic” scam syndicate were arrested outside a Port Elizabeth bed-andbreakfast yesterday after police found more than R1-million stashed in a suitcase.

Police suspect the two men, both foreigners aged 31, and a 40-year-old South African woman are linked to a scam in East London in which a pensioner was conned out of about R800 000.

Police spokeswoman Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said the three were arrested after an alert B&B owner in Central reported three people lurking around her establishment to her security company.

“The police were alerted and found the suspects outside the establishment.

“They were acting very suspiciously. Officials searched their VW Tiguan [and] found a suitcase full of money,” she said.

“The suspects were unable to provide proof of where the money had come from so they were taken to Humewood Police Station for questioning.

“Detectives alerted a bank security official to assist with providing a money counting machine.”

Janse van Rensburg said when the bank official arrived, he recognised the two men and the woman.

“The three are believed to be wanted in connection with a case of fraud in East London.

“They allegedly conned a pensioner out of about R800 000 from her savings while pretending to perform magic in doubling her money,” she said.

“Over a period of days, the suspects are believed to have stolen the money.”

Police confirmed that more than R1-million had been found inside the case.

The scam aims to lure pensioners into handing over large sums of cash under the pretence that their money will increase over time.

The fraudsters then flee with the money.

Janse van Rensburg said three suspects had also been arrested in East London for the scam.

The three nabbed yesterday are due to appear in court on Monday.