Two arrested over R61,000 scam involving fake cops and ‘traditional medicine’

Two men, aged 35 and 42, have been arrested in Polokwane for allegedly robbing a woman of R61,000 after posing as police officers. The incident happened on Landros Mare Street in the CBD on August 21, 2026. According to Limpopo provincial police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the victim was lured by a man who falsely claimed someone was attempting to scam her using what appeared to be traditional medicine.

This man then had two other men accompany her, who later impersonated police officials. The suspects took the woman to the Polokwane Police Station, where they questioned her about her bank accounts. After learning of her substantial funds, the men convinced her to withdraw money to protect it from the supposed scam. They then took her to Savannah Mall, where she withdrew R61,000.

The suspects then took her to another bank branch, but she was unable to withdraw the remaining funds due to an appointment requirement. The woman returned to the police station on Saturday, only to discover she had been robbed. Investigations led police to the Mahwelereng area outside Mokopane, where they spotted the suspects traveling in a white Toyota Vitz.

During a pursuit, the suspects were cornered near Polokwane Provincial Hospital and arrested. Police believe the suspects may be operating in areas such as Bela-Bela, Modimolle, Lephalale, and Polokwane. The suspects are set to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on August 24, facing charges of robbery and impersonating police officials.

Police Commissioner Jan Petrus Scheepers urged the public to remain vigilant and report any similar incidents.