Latest news with #UmhlaliSAPS
The Citizen
09-07-2025
- The Citizen
Family scammed out of R15K in KZN holiday booking con
Fraudsters targeting holidaymakers are becoming increasingly effective at leveraging online platforms for their scams. North Coast Courier reports that this is according to the acting chairperson of the Umhlali Policing Forum, Josha Daniel, who says reports to Umhlali SAPS, of scam-related incidents, are on the rise, averaging two per week. 'We are seeing everything from fake pet sales to fraudulent Airbnb-style listings and investment cons,' says Daniel. 'Scammers are using social media and fake websites to trick people into making payments for services that don't exist.' One recent case in Tinley Manor saw a Hilton family of 13 scammed out of more than R15 000. According to Michelle Wilkstrom, who made the booking, everything seemed to be above board as she found the accommodation through what she believed to be a reputable platform. After making payment and receiving booking confirmation, her family got ready for the weekend away and made the trip. 'When we arrived at the accommodation on June 14 to book in, there was no caretaker as promised to open,' says Wilkstrom. The caretaker of a neighbouring property eventually responded to their calls and asked what was happening. 'We advised we were there to book in for the long weekend. He told us there was someone that had been staying there for two weeks already.' After getting in touch with the legitimate property owner, they said there was no record of the booking. The property owner claimed that their email and banking details had been hacked and that Wilkstrom had dealt with a scammer. Wilkstrom opened a case of fraud at Hilton SAPS and the investigation is ongoing. Daniel urged property owners and letting platforms to strengthen verification processes and advised consumers to be cautious when booking online. 'The property sector, particularly in short-term letting, needs to be vigilant,' he said. 'Owners should regularly audit their digital profiles and ensure booking communications happen through secure, traceable platforms. As consumers, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
18-06-2025
- The Citizen
Police probe Ballito robbery after man held at gunpoint
A Ballito homeowner was held at gunpoint during an early morning home invasion yesterday in what authorities describe as a brazen robbery on Minerva Road South. The North Coast Courier reports that, according to Umhlali SAPS, three unidentified men, one reportedly armed with a pistol, entered the property at around 03:00. The robbers allegedly gained access through a sliding door that had been left open, surprising the homeowner who was working on his computer in the lounge at the time. The armed thief reportedly pointed the firearm at the homeowner and forced him to lie on the floor while the other two thieves ransacked the home. Numerous high-value items were allegedly stolen. In a possible lead for investigators, a power bank believed to belong to one of the robbers was left behind at the scene. The item has been retained by police for fingerprint analysis. No injuries or property damage were reported and no shots were fired. Emergency services and police responded promptly. This incident follows a similar non-violent break-in on Marion Road North on Saturday, between 20:00 and 21:00. In that case, a thief entered through a side sliding door while the homeowners were on the patio, stealing a wallet and a laptop without being noticed. CCTV footage from the Marion Road incident revealed a robber wearing Adidas shoes similar to those seen in previous cases. However, police noted a different modus operandi in the two incidents. Ballito Neighbourhood Watch chairperson Morné Steffens confirmed a recent rise in burglaries and attempted break-ins in the area. 'We are very fortunate here with crime usually at a minimum. It's been blissfully quiet, until now,' said Steffens. He urged residents to remain vigilant, secure all entry points and report suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information is asked to contact Umhlali SAPS or the Ballito Neighbourhood Watch at Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
