Alleged card scammers arrested near Plettenberg Bay
Two suspects were arrested for alleged bank card scamming in Plettenberg Bay on Friday 29 September.
According to Plettenberg Bay Crime Prevention Association (PBCPA) operations head Otto Olivier, they received a report of a card scam incident having taken place at a garage between Gqeberha and Thornhill on 29 September just before 10:45.
“Photos were available of the suspects and vehicle. The vehicle only had a temporary paper [licence] plate in the back window,” Olivier said.
A meticulous search by police, security companies, Kouga law enforcement and various private individuals ensued to locate the vehicle.
“Information came through that the suspects were travelling south towards Plettenberg Bay,” Otto said. “Plett Rapid responders took their positions on the N2 along with members of Plett police and crime prevention unit. A high-speed chase followed around 14:40 when the vehicle sped past one of the Plett Rapid responders.”
Olivier said the vehicle was pulled over near the Wittedrift turn-off with the assistance of the Wittedrift neighbourhood watch, Plett police and various other role players. “Notwithstanding the suspects’ efforts and measures to cover their tracks and their identity, they were taken into custody within three hours and six minutes.”
Olivier said the combined efforts of local and Eastern Cape crime fighters resulted in the suspect’s arrest, the confiscation of the vehicle involved and numerous pieces of evidence inside the vehicle. “The suspects are sought for various other related incidents.””
Plettenberg Bay police confirmed the arrests.