Pastor Arrested For Changing Congregant’s Documents, Using Them To Buy Fancy Car

A 30-year-old Groblersdal, Limpopo resident who describes himself as a Pastor is scheduled to appear in court on Monday after being detained in connection with the illicit acquisition of a luxury car.

Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the spokesperson for the Limpopo police, stated that the self-described preacher was taken into custody on Saturday.

He claimed that the supposed pastor was taken into custody after it was discovered that he had attempted to buy the car using forged documents.

“The arrest came as a result of a prompt reaction by the provincial tracking team which was tipped off about the suspect’s activities,” Ledwaba said.

“The suspect, whose identity is being withheld pending further investigation, was arrested when he arrived at the car dealership in Polokwane after the bank opened a case of fraud. During the arrest, police confiscated the fraudulent bank statement, proof of employment, and salary advice.”

Police said it has been established that the pastor used the details of “an unsuspecting female congregant” to create a profile and forged the documents, in a bid to persuade the bank.

Meanwhile, the provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has welcomed the arrest, adding that the long arm of the law will catch up with offenders.

“The [SA Police Service] SAPS is committed to rooting out fraud and corruption in all its forms and urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities,” said Hadebe.

“This arrest sends a clear message that crime does not pay and that the SAPS will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans.”

Last month, the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court in Mpumalanga sentenced Job Molepo, 28, to three years in jail after he was convicted of vehicle finance fraud.

In July 2022, Molepo approached the Eastvaal Isuzu dealership in Witbank to buy a Toyota Avanza vehicle.

According to Warrant Officer Thandi Tshabalala, Mpumalanga spokesperson for the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, Molepo submitted all relevant documents to the dealership and his application was approved. The vehicle, a Toyota Avanza was delivered.

“Wesbank as the financing institution, later discovered that the submitted documents were fraudulent. The vehicle was immediately repossessed.”