Bay fraud suspect linked to cases in Western Cape

A man who was arrested in connection with three fraud cases in Port Elizabeth earlier this month is suspected of involvement in other cases in the Western Cape totalling more than R100,000.

Malcolm Leonard, 57, was arrested on February 6 for three cases of fraud in Walmer, Mount Road and Humewood after allegedly conning people on Gumtree and OLX.

According to police, he is also the main suspect in at least five similar cases in Mossel Bay and two in the Vioolsdrift area dating back to 2016.

In total, he allegedly conned people out of about R45,000 in Port Elizabeth while the Western Cape cases amount to about R105,000.

Leonard was arrested at a house in Bruer Road, Kabega Park, and was released the following day on R1,000 bail.

Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said he allegedly lured people on social media accounts, mostly Gumtree and OLX, claiming to sell or repair trailers.

“The prices varied but it was generally around R15,000 per trailer to build, repair or sell.”

After contact was made with the buyers, Leonard would allegedly ask for a deposit and later request more money to complete the job.

“Eventually all the money would have been paid and then he [allegedly] disappears.”

The company name listed on the adverts was Cillion Trading 42 but police said it was unclear if another name was used in some transactions.

“We are liaising with detectives in the Western Cape who are looking into more scams.”

Janse van Rensburg called on other possible victims to contact Detective Warrant Officer Hannelie Greyling on (041) 504-5085 or 082- 090- 9655.