Job con man behind bars

A CON artist believed to have swindled many people out of their money, especially job-seekers in Empangeni and surrounds, has been arrested.

The suspect was arrested at his home in Ladysmith on Sunday night by Empangeni detectives for defrauding people under the pretext that he would provide them with jobs.

Scores of job-seekers, teachers in particular, raised the alarm after being robbed by the man who called himself David Chonco, the name of the King Cetshwayo District Director of Education.

King Cetshwayo police cluster spokesperson, Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose, said the 31-year-old man was linked to three cases of fraud, including the case registered by Dr Chonco at the Empangeni SAPS.

‘He appeared at Empangeni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and was remanded in police custody pending further investigation.

‘He is expected to re-appear at the same court next week Tuesday for a formal bail application,’ Mdlalose said.

He urged all those who have fallen victim to this scam to come forward.

‘Our investigation is still in progress and we hope that the accused will be linked to other cases.’

Dr Chonco said he was aware that the suspect had been arrested.

‘I believe police will be able to track down his accomplice. So far I have handed over about 100 affidavits from victims who allege that they paid money to get a job in our department.’

Chonco said the suspect used to phone his victims and offered them jobs and demanded money to bypass interview and screening processes.