Two alleged Johannesburg ATM scammers arrested in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Two alleged Johannesburg ATM fraudsters were apprehended earlier today, Thursday, July 14, in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal.

A Mi7 surveillance system outfitted with Navic’s Automatic Number Plate Recognition software identified a grey Hyundai used by the suspected ATM fraudsters in the conduct of offences in Johannesburg.

According to the security provider, the vehicle’s registration plates were spotted by a surveillance camera on Victoria Road.

“It is believed the vehicle was used by suspects who allegedly defrauded a woman at an ATM in the Midrand area last month,” part of the statement read.

“Once the vehicle was flagged by the surveillance system, Mi7 Control Room Operators worked quickly to contact the police’s investigating officer in Johannesburg, who provided a description of the suspects.

Mi7 Armed Response units were quickly deployed and a large-scale search for the vehicle began. The car was eventually identified and brought to a halt.

“The occupants matched the description of the alleged scammers provided by the investigating officer, and the pair were apprehended on the site,” according to the statement.

The case has been turned over to police for further investigation.

“This is yet another success brought on by Mi7’s surveillance net. It shows that no matter where in the country criminals commit a crime, they can be caught when entering a Mi7-protected community,” the company further commented.

An irate mob in Pretoria stopped a suspected ATM scammer in his tracks in 2020 after he was accused of attempting to swindle bank clients, showing the frequency of ATM frauds in Gauteng.

The suspected scam artist was manhandled and beaten by outraged patrons, but the arrival of security officials at the shopping centre prevented more punishment.