Decisive action by GWA Marshall Security Tactical Teams and Armed Response Officers resulted in the apprehension of a suspect following an alleged fraudulent attempt to purchase electrical supplies using a company’s name without authorisation at a business in Westmead.
At approximately 13h07, the GWA Marshall Security Emergency Dispatch Centre received an alert from a client along Henry Pennington Road after an individual arrived at the premises attempting to purchase electrical supplies on behalf of another company.
GWA Marshall Security Tactical Teams and Armed Response Officers were immediately dispatched to investigate, while Pinetown SAPS were also notified.
Upon arrival, members spoke with the sales manager, who explained that the individual had previously purchased approximately R20,000 worth of electrical supplies from the business earlier this month, allegedly using the same method.
Further enquiries revealed that the individual was a former employee of the company whose name he was allegedly using to make the purchases. Although he reportedly claimed to still represent the business, a company representative confirmed that he had left the company at the beginning of the month and had not been authorised to purchase goods on its behalf.
It is currently believed that the company had already suffered a loss of approximately R20,000 as a result of the alleged fraudulent transactions. It is suspected that there may be other businesses that could have been targeted, although this has not yet been confirmed.
Following verification of the individual’s claims, the suspect was apprehended and handed over to responding Pinetown SAPS members for further investigation and legal processing.
Marshall Security commends the vigilance of the business staff, whose decision to verify the individual’s claims helped prevent a further potentially fraudulent transaction. Businesses are encouraged to independently verify purchase orders and the identities and authority of individuals claiming to represent other companies.
The Greater Westmead Association (GWA), in partnership with Marshall Security, remains committed to proactive crime prevention through dedicated patrols, rapid information sharing and coordinated responses with SAPS to help protect businesses and communities throughout the Westmead area.
