Couple conned at mall

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A young Estonian couple became the latest victims who were swindled out of their money while travelling through Mossel Bay.

According of the Da Gamaskop police, the couple visited the Langeberg Mall in Voorbaai on Sunday, 13 August at 16:30, when a man posing as a car guard approached them.

The suspect allegedly said they had to pay for parking and managed to swindle the couple out of an ATM card. This resulted in them being €600 the poorer; this amount was withdrawn from their bank account at an ATM in the banking section of the mall.

The couple reported the case at the Da Gamaskop Police Station, where they were assisted by Capt Johan Anderson and Sgt Caroline Stemmet. The Estonians were en route to the Kruger National Park as part of their holiday in South Africa, and left Mossel Bay early on Tuesday morning.

"We urge members of the public not to accept any help at ATMs. Assist people who are not knowledgeable and warn them to be vigilant," says Capt Wollie Fourie, communications officer of the Da Gamaskop police.

• The Da Gamaskop police also warn members of the public to be on the lookout for a group of women, allegedly part of a syndicate operating in local malls. In an incident recently reported a group of women approached a female shopper in a clothing store at the Langeberg Mall.

It is unclear how, but they coaxed the woman to give them R600, whereafter they promptly left the shop. Other similar incidents have been reported.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer, Const Ayabonga Lolo of the Da Gamaskop police (044 606 2221).