Latest news with #AmandavanWyk
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Police warn of con artists exploiting SAPS identity to scam public
Scammers are using fake SAPS details to trick the public into sharing personal information. Police are warning members of the public of a scam involving fraudulent letters and phone calls that falsely appear to originate from the SAPS. According to Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, the scammers often distribute fake documents on social media apps. 'These fake letters, often distributed via WhatsApp, bear the SAPS logo and contain the names, contact details of senior SAPS officers, and the addresses of legitimate SAPS offices.' She said that in some instances, the scammers also use the names of police stations that do not exist. 'The scammers use this information to deceive recipients into sharing personal details under false pretences,' she said. She said the scammers tailor the content of the letters according to the victim's location, with changes made to names, addresses, and contact persons to make the communication appear authentic. 'Also, these WhatsApp messages are preceded by phone calls from individuals posing as police officials, who falsely claim that criminal cases have been opened against the victim,' she added. She stated that these so-called 'police officers' coerce victims into paying a certain amount to make their supposed cases 'disappear'. 'Anyone who has received or responded to these fraudulent messages or phone calls is urged to report the matter and open a case at their nearest police station.' She further warned that 'the SAPS do not communicate with the public via WhatsApp or video calls'. SAPS urges all members to remain vigilant at all times. Follow these tips: – Don't respond to these fraudulent messages or phone calls. – Don't provide or confirm any personal information such as ID numbers, addresses, or banking details. – Don't pay these 'scammers' any money. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Eyewitness News
27-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Almots 16,000 people nabbed for various crimes countrywide, reveals SAPS
JOHANNESBURG - Almost 16,000 people have been arrested for various crimes countrywide in a week. The South African police revealed in a statement that its operations have led to the incarceration of more than 200 rape suspects. The South African Police Service (SAPS) says the highest rates of KwaZulu natal has the highest number of suspects nabbed for rape which is more than a quarter of the total 255. Police spokesperson Amanda van Wyk says they have also managed to stop a drug trafficker. 'Also, on Friday, 23 May 2025, a 39-year-old Brazilian national was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport after arriving from São Paulo. The suspect was in transit to Benin when police intercepted him during a search. Cocaine valued at approximately R1.4 million was found wrapped around his legs.'
The Star
25-05-2025
- The Star
Police seize counterfeit goods worth over R20 million in Bruma operation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R20 million during a high-impact operation in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the large-scale operation, involving units such as the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, SARS, Customs, Home Affairs, and private security, led to the arrest of 35 suspects connected to counterfeit goods. 'The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals. One suspect was arrested for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, while 34 foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.' Van Wyk added that the operation confiscated over 24,000 counterfeit products, including imitation branded clothing. 'Acting on intelligence gathered, the team executed search and seizure warrants following the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act. The operation led to the seizure of over 24,000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, footwear, handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and cellphone accessories,' she said. Van Wyk stressed that SAPS continues to fight tirelessly against the illegal trade in counterfeit goods to protect consumers, back legitimate businesses, and preserve the integrity of the country's economy. Last month, police seized counterfeit goods worth over R50 million in nationwide operations, including illicit cigarettes valued at R4.5 million during a takedown. Van Wyk said the takedown operation targeted shops in Pretoria Central, Centurion and Brits in the North West. "More than 2,000 items were seized that including high-end counterfeit clothing, shoes, handbags, caps, watches, sunglasses, and belts as well as toys," said van Wyk. Three Bangladeshi nationals were also arrested for contravening the Immigration Act during the operations. The Star [email protected]
IOL News
25-05-2025
- IOL News
Police seize counterfeit goods worth over R20 million in Bruma operation
A significant crackdown by South African Police has led to the seizure of counterfeit goods worth over R20 million, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat illegal trade and protect consumers. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has seized counterfeit goods valued at more than R20 million during a high-impact operation in Bruma, east of Johannesburg. Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk said the large-scale operation, involving units such as the Hawks, Crime Intelligence, SARS, Customs, Home Affairs, and private security, led to the arrest of 35 suspects connected to counterfeit goods. 'The operation resulted in the arrest of 35 individuals. One suspect was arrested for contravening the Counterfeit Goods Act, while 34 foreign nationals were arrested for contravening the Immigration Act.' Van Wyk added that the operation confiscated over 24,000 counterfeit products, including imitation branded clothing. 'Acting on intelligence gathered, the team executed search and seizure warrants following the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act. The operation led to the seizure of over 24,000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, footwear, handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and cellphone accessories,' she said. Van Wyk stressed that SAPS continues to fight tirelessly against the illegal trade in counterfeit goods to protect consumers, back legitimate businesses, and preserve the integrity of the country's economy. Last month, police seized counterfeit goods worth over R50 million in nationwide operations, including illicit cigarettes valued at R4.5 million during a takedown. Van Wyk said the takedown operation targeted shops in Pretoria Central, Centurion and Brits in the North West. "More than 2,000 items were seized that including high-end counterfeit clothing, shoes, handbags, caps, watches, sunglasses, and belts as well as toys," said van Wyk. Three Bangladeshi nationals were also arrested for contravening the Immigration Act during the operations. The Star
Eyewitness News
24-05-2025
- Eyewitness News
Counterfeit goods to the value of R20 million seized in Bruma, Johannesburg
Cailynn Pretorius 24 May 2025 | 15:03 Counterfeit goods South African Police Service (SAPS) Picture: @SAPoliceService/Twitter JOHANNESBURG - Counterfeit items worth R20 million have been seized by police thanks to multi-disciplinary operations carried out in Johannesburg. Police said that they arrested 35 suspects in Bruma in connection with the alleged possession of counterfeit goods. One of the suspects was charged with violating the Counterfeit Goods Act. Police Spokesperson Amanda van Wyk said that 34 of the suspects were foreign nationals and had allegedly violated the Immigration Act. "Acting on intelligence gathered, the team executed search and seizure warrants in accordance with the Customs and Excise Act and the Counterfeit Goods Act. The operation led to the seizure of over 24,000 counterfeit items, including branded clothing, footwear, handbags, perfumes, jewellery, and cell phone accessories."
