Ramagatsi Isaac Molefi is wanted by police.
Image: SAPS
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the North West is requesting the public's assistance in locating a suspected ATM scammer, Ramagatsi Isaac Molefi, who failed to appear in court.
Molefi, 41, who is also known by the alias ‘Mazaza’, is allegedly linked to a criminal syndicate operating in the Klerksdorp area that targets bank customers through distraction techniques.
The provincial police spokesperson, Colonel Adéle Myburgh, alleged that Molefi is part of a specialised syndicate in Klerksdorp.
“Molefi forms part of a syndicate that was allegedly stealing clients’ bank cards in Klerksdorp by distracting them at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and withdrawing their money,” Myburgh said.
Molefi is currently wanted for evading his legal proceedings. According to police records, he has previous convictions for similar offences and has failed to appear in recent court proceedings..
“He was arrested and granted bail after court appearances, but failed to reappear in the Klerksdorp Regional Court last week. He also has previous convictions for theft, some of which were reported as far back as 2019,” Myburgh added.
Card-swapping and distraction scams remain a significant concern for law enforcement in the North West province. These syndicates often operate in groups to confuse victims at high-traffic ATMs before fleeing with stolen bank cards and PINs.
Klerksdorp police urge anyone who may have information that can assist in tracing Ramagatsi Isaac Molefi to contact the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Connie Nepgen, of the Klerksdorp Detectives at 068 906 5410 or 018 464 5028.
Members of the public can also contact the Klerksdorp Branch Commander, Colonel JC Scholtz at 082 568 6264.
Anonymous tip-offs can be communicated via the MySAPS App on your smartphone or by calling Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
IOL